J.McMahon & Sons Medium Shell Grit

J. McMahon & Sons Medium Shell Grit: Calcium & Grit Supplement for Poultry and Parrots

Shell grit is one of those basics that quietly makes a big difference to a flock. Made from crushed shell, it's a premium breeder's quality mineral and calcium supplement, and it does two jobs at once: it supplies the calcium birds need, and it helps them break down the food they eat.

This is the medium grade, sized for poultry and most medium to large parrots.

Calcium for Strong Eggshells

An eggshell is almost entirely calcium carbonate, and a hen laying regularly is drawing on a lot of it. If she isn't getting enough from her diet, she doesn't stop laying, she pulls calcium out of her own bones instead. Over time that means weakened bones, and it usually shows up first as thin, soft or shell-less eggs.

Shell grit is the simplest way to cover that. Offered free choice, hens take what they need, when they need it, which is typically more in peak lay and less at other times.

Helps Birds Digest Their Food

Birds don't have teeth. Food passes into the gizzard, a strong muscular organ that grinds it down, and grit gives the gizzard something to grind against. Without it, seed and grain aren't broken down as thoroughly, so birds get less nutrition out of the same feed.

Birds that free-range pick up grit naturally from the ground. Caged birds, aviary birds and penned poultry can't, so it needs to be provided.

The Right Grade Matters

Grit comes in different grades, and the size should suit the bird. This medium grade has the ideal sized shell pieces for poultry and most medium to large parrots. Very small birds like finches, canaries and budgies do better on a fine grade, since medium pieces are too large for them to handle comfortably.

How to Offer It

Provide shell grit free choice in a separate container, rather than mixing it through the feed. Birds self-regulate their intake, so given the choice they'll take what their body needs and leave the rest. Mixing it into feed means they either eat more than they need or push it aside.

Keep the container clean and topped up, in a spot that stays dry. Damp grit clumps and gets fouled quickly. It suits laying hens, growing birds, breeding pairs, and any caged or aviary bird that can't forage for grit naturally.

Key Features & Benefits

• Premium breeder's quality crushed shell grit

• Supplies calcium for strong eggshells and healthy bone

• Assists gizzard function so birds digest feed more thoroughly

• Medium grade, ideal for poultry and medium to large parrots

• Free choice feeding, birds take exactly what they need

• Essential for caged and penned birds that can't forage

• Available in 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 25kg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shell grit used for?
Two things. It supplies calcium, which laying hens need for strong eggshells and all birds need for bone health, and it provides grit for the gizzard, which helps birds grind and digest their food properly.

Which birds is the medium grade for?
Poultry and most medium to large parrots. For finches, canaries, budgies and other small birds, a fine grade is more suitable.

How do I feed it to my chickens?
Offer it free choice in a separate container alongside their normal feed and water. Don't mix it into the feed, birds regulate their own intake and will take what they need.

Do my chickens really need shell grit if they free-range?
Free-ranging birds pick up some grit naturally, but laying hens still have a high calcium demand that pasture won't meet. Offering shell grit free choice covers the shortfall, and it's essential for penned or caged birds that can't forage at all.

Will it fix thin or soft eggshells?
Thin, soft or shell-less eggs are commonly a calcium problem, and providing shell grit free choice alongside a good layer feed is the standard fix. If the problem continues after that, it's worth looking at other causes such as age, heat stress or illness.

Can I give it to parrots and aviary birds?
Yes. Caged and aviary birds can't forage for grit, so providing it is important, particularly for breeding hens who need extra calcium for egg production.

How much do birds need?
There's no need to measure. Keep a container available and topped up, and birds will take what they need over time.

How should I store it?
In a dry place with the bag closed. Keeping the container dry matters too, as damp grit clumps together and gets fouled faster.