Why Do Chickens Need Shell Grit?

Chickens that lay eggs require significantly more calcium than non-laying birds. Without sufficient calcium, laying hens draw from their own bone reserves - leading to weak bones, soft-shelled or shell-less eggs, and reduced laying frequency. Shell grit and calcium aragonite provide the supplementary calcium laying hens need on top of their regular feed. Offer shell grit in a separate container from the main feed, allowing hens to self-regulate their calcium intake.

Shell Grit vs Calcium Aragonite - What's the Difference?

Shell grit (crushed oyster shell) and calcium aragonite are both calcium sources for laying hens, but with slight differences. Oyster shell grit is the traditional choice - widely available, slow to absorb, and suitable for all laying hen breeds. Calcium aragonite (the product stocked by Nest Box Online) is a naturally occurring calcium mineral with a different crystal structure - some poultry nutritionists note it is absorbed more efficiently than standard grit. Both are safe and effective. Fine is best for regular laying hens; coarse is used for larger birds or gizzard grit purposes.

Dried Insects as a Treat and Supplement

Dried mealworms, dried crickets and dried BSFL are not just treats - they are high-protein supplements that support egg production, feather quality and flock health. During the moulting season (typically autumn in Australia), increasing dried insect treats accelerates feather regrowth. The Flowers & Insects Scratch Mix and Dried Insects Scratch Mix are popular everyday alternatives to plain grain scratch, providing both protein and enrichment in one product.

What to Feed Moulting Chickens

Moulting chickens need extra protein to grow new feathers quickly. Feathers are about 85% protein, so the demand on a moulting hen's body is significant. During moult, increase protein treats (mealworms, dried crickets, BSFL) and temporarily reduce corn and scratch grains, which are high in carbohydrate but low in protein. Continue offering calcium grit - even non-laying hens during moult benefit from maintained bone density. Most Australian hens moult in late summer to early autumn (March–May).

Faq

Is shell grit necessary for chickens?

Yes, if you keep laying hens. Shell grit (or a calcium equivalent like aragonite) is essential for chickens that lay eggs. Without enough dietary calcium, hens produce thin-shelled or shell-less eggs and gradually weaken their own bones to compensate. Offer shell grit or calcium aragonite in a separate container so hens can self-regulate. Non-laying hens and roosters do not need calcium supplementation in the same quantity.

How much shell grit should I give my chickens?

Offer shell grit free-choice in a separate container from the main feeder - hens will take what they need. Most laying hens consume approximately 4–6g of grit per day when calcium levels in their layer feed are already adequate, and more when the feed calcium is insufficient. Do not mix grit into the main feed - over-consuming calcium can affect non-laying birds or growing chicks.

What is calcium aragonite and how is it different from shell grit?

Calcium aragonite is a naturally occurring crystalline form of calcium carbonate, mined rather than processed from shells. It provides the same calcium function as oyster shell grit for laying hens - supporting eggshell quality and bone density - but has a different mineral crystal structure. Some research suggests aragonite's solubility profile may provide more consistent calcium availability than standard limestone or shell grit. Both are safe and suitable for laying hens.

What is the best scratch mix for chickens?

A scratch mix that includes dried insects (mealworms, crickets or BSFL) provides both the enrichment value of grain scratch and the protein benefit of insect treats. Nest Box Online's Flowers & Insects Scratch Mix and Dried Insects Scratch Mix are designed for this purpose - the dried flowers and herbs add interest and natural foraging stimulation, while the dried insects provide protein above what plain grain scratch can offer.

 Do mealworms boost egg production?

Mealworms support egg production through their high protein content. Egg production requires significant protein input - each egg contains roughly 6–7g of protein - and hens that are well-nourished in protein tend to lay more consistently. Mealworms alone won't dramatically increase laying rate, but they support the protein intake that allows a hen to lay at her genetic potential. Combine mealworms with calcium supplementation (shell grit or aragonite) for the best egg quality results.

Why do chickens need shell grit?

Chickens that lay eggs need significantly more calcium than their layer feed provides. Shell grit (crushed oyster shell or calcium aragonite) is offered as a free-choice supplement, allowing hens to self-regulate their calcium intake. Without enough calcium, laying hens produce thin or soft-shelled eggs and gradually deplete their own bone calcium. Offer shell grit or calcium aragonite in a separate container at all times. Nest Box Online stocks Aragonite Calcium Feed in fine and coarse grades specifically for backyard laying hens.

What should I feed moulting chickens in Australia?

Moulting chickens need high-protein food to regrow feathers quickly. During moult (typically March–May in Australia), increase protein treats such as dried mealworms, dried crickets, live mealworms and BSFL. Temporarily reduce grain scratch and corn. Continue offering calcium grit. Most hens stop laying during moult - this is normal. The faster they get through it, the sooner they return to laying. Nest Box Online's Dried Treats & Supplements collection has all the products moulting hens need.

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