J. McMahon & Sons Medium Shell Grit 20kg: Shell Grit for Chickens, Poultry and Parrots

J. McMahon Medium Shell Grit: Calcium and Grit for Hens and Parrots

J. McMahon & Sons Medium Shell Grit is a crushed seashell supplement used as a calcium source and digestion aid for poultry and medium to large parrots. Packed in Port Lonsdale, Victoria, it's a medium grade shell grit for chickens, ducks and other poultry, and for parrots such as cockatoos, galahs, corellas and larger conures. Offered free choice, it gives laying hens the calcium they need for strong eggshells. It's available in 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 20kg bags.

Why Laying Hens Need Shell Grit

An eggshell is almost entirely calcium carbonate, and a hen uses around 2 grams of calcium for every egg she lays. If her diet doesn't supply enough, she draws calcium from her own bones, which weakens them over time. The first signs are usually thin, soft or shell-less eggs. Layer feed contains some calcium, but each hen's needs differ with age, laying rate and weather. Shell grit offered in a separate dish lets every hen top up exactly what she needs, especially during peak lay and hot weather when hens eat less feed.

Soluble and Insoluble Grit: What's the Difference?

Poultry grit comes in two types, and chickens benefit from both:

• Shell grit (soluble): crushed seashell that slowly dissolves in the gizzard, releasing calcium. Larger pieces dissolve overnight, when hens form their eggshells. It also helps grind food while it lasts.
• Insoluble grit: small stones such as granite or flint that stay in the gizzard and do the long-term grinding of grains, seeds and greens.

Birds that free-range pick up insoluble grit from the ground. Penned, caged and aviary birds can't, so offer insoluble grit alongside shell grit if your birds eat whole grains, scratch mix or greens.

Fine or Medium Shell Grit?

Medium shell grit suits standard chickens, ducks, geese and medium to large parrots. Bantams can usually manage medium grade too. Small birds such as finches, canaries and budgies need a fine grade, as medium pieces are too large for them.

Who Should Not Have Shell Grit

Chicks and young pullets that aren't laying yet don't need the extra calcium, and too much can harm growing birds. Give them fine insoluble chick grit instead, and start shell grit when pullets reach point of lay, around 18 to 20 weeks. Roosters don't need the extra calcium either, but free-choice shell grit in a mixed flock is fine, as birds take only what they need.

How to Feed Shell Grit to Chickens

• Offer it free choice in a separate dish or grit feeder, not mixed into the feed.
• Keep it available every day so hens can take it when they need it.
• Place it under cover, as damp grit clumps and gets fouled.
• Top it up when low and replace any that's soiled.
• Offer more than one dish in larger flocks so lower-ranked hens can reach it.

Key Features and Benefits

• Crushed seashell grit, medium grade
• Calcium for strong eggshells and healthy bones
• Slow-dissolving pieces release calcium overnight
• Assists digestion in the gizzard
• Suits chickens, ducks, geese and medium to large parrots
• Free-choice feeding, birds take what they need
• Packed by J. McMahon & Sons, Port Lonsdale, Victoria
• 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 20kg bags

Product Details

• Brand: J. McMahon & Sons
• Product: Medium Shell Grit
• Material: Crushed seashell
• Grade: Medium
• Suitable for: Laying hens, ducks, geese, medium to large parrots
• Sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 4kg, 20kg
• Origin: Port Lonsdale, Victoria

Frequently Asked Questions

What is J. McMahon Medium Shell Grit used for?

It's crushed seashell offered to laying hens, other poultry and medium to large parrots as a calcium source for strong eggshells and bones, and as a digestion aid in the gizzard.

Is J. McMahon medium shell grit right for my chickens or should I buy fine?

Medium suits standard chickens, ducks, bantams and medium to large parrots. Choose a fine grade for finches, canaries, budgies and other small birds.

Do chickens need grit every day?

Grit should be available at all times. Hens eat shell grit as their calcium needs change, so keep a dish topped up every day rather than offering it occasionally.

What is bird grit for?

Bird grit helps birds without teeth grind food in the gizzard, and calcium grits like shell grit also supply calcium for eggs and bones. Insoluble grit grinds, while shell grit dissolves to release calcium.

What is the best shell grit for chickens?

Look for clean crushed shell in a grade that suits your birds, medium for standard hens. Offer it free choice in its own dish, and pair it with insoluble grit if your hens eat whole grains or scratch mix.

Can I give shell grit to chicks?

No. Chicks and pullets that aren't laying don't need extra calcium. Give them fine insoluble chick grit, and start shell grit at point of lay, around 18 to 20 weeks.

Will shell grit fix thin or soft eggshells?

Thin or soft shells are often a calcium shortfall, and free-choice shell grit with a good layer feed is the usual fix. If the problem continues, check other causes such as hen age, heat stress or illness.

Where can I buy J. McMahon & Sons Medium Shell Grit in Australia?

J. McMahon & Sons Medium Shell Grit is available from Bonnyrigg Produce & Garden Supplies at 462 Elizabeth Dr, Bonnyrigg NSW 2177, Australia. You can visit our store or order online with delivery across Australia.