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Feeding Bone meal from a nursery to chickens #860857

Asked March 08, 2024, 2:12 AM EST

Hi there I'd like to know if I should buy bone meal from a nursery to give to my chickens to supplement extra protein and calcium. Currently they free range on compost (Which they love), get whole corn and sunflower seeds which I soak for 24 hours (which they love) and they also get a very small amount of layer and stater feed mixed (which they mostly leave.) They also get kitchen scarps each day Cheers Greg

Smith County Texas

Expert Response

I probably wouldn't suggest it.  It's difficult to know exactly what might be in the product, since it's being produced for plants, not for animals.

Limestone or oyster shell can be offered if you want to supplement calcium.  The commercial rations (layer or starter) should have adequate protein, though this may be diluted out with the addition of other feeds (corn, sunflower seeds, etc.)  

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 08, 2024, 11:30 AM EST

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