We feed out Weston Layer pellets to our laying birds, and the soluble calcium levels in this commercial feed are adequate for egg production with sound shells. However, for those birds that are in enclosed runs and do not have access to large areas of free range, we provide shell grit separately.
The grit sits in the bird's crop for a sustained length of time, aiding in digestion, as well as giving 'slow-release' calcium, thus aiding in the production of good quality egg shells. Birds self-regulate their own grit intake as they require it. Plus, trace elements from the sea will be beneficial to their diet