Getting harder eggshells primarily involves ensuring hens receive adequate calcium in their diet.
According to Country Visions Coop, for optimally strong shells and fresh eggs, you should choose a feed that also includes an oyster shell mix.
The Role of Diet in Shell Strength
The strength of a hen's eggshell is directly linked to her nutritional intake, particularly the amount of calcium she consumes. Eggshell formation is a demanding process that takes about 20 hours. Consistent access to calcium during this time is critical.
Key Dietary Components for Strong Shells
- Calcium: This is the primary building block of the eggshell, making up about 95% of its composition. Hens need a readily available source of calcium, especially during the shell-building phase.
- Vitamin D3: Essential for the hen to absorb calcium effectively.
- Phosphorus: Works in balance with calcium for bone health and shell formation.
Utilizing Oyster Shell Mix
As highlighted by Country Visions Coop, a practical method to ensure hens receive sufficient calcium is through their feed. Choosing a specialized layer feed that incorporates an oyster shell mix, like systems such as the Oyster Strong® System found in Purina® layer feeds, provides a consistent supply of calcium. This helps support the hen's needs throughout the entire 20-hour shell building process, leading to stronger shells and contributing to the hen's overall strength.
Providing calcium in this way ensures that the hen has access to the necessary minerals exactly when she needs them most.
