Give your hens what they've been asking for — a dedicated calcium station. This bundle turns our Small Chicken Feeder into a shell grit dispenser, letting each hen self-regulate her calcium intake.
What's Included
Why free-choice calcium matters
A quality layer feed contains around 4% calcium — enough for the average hen. But hens aren't average.
Need more calcium to keep up with daily production
Less efficient at absorbing calcium from feed
Hens eat less feed but still need strong shells
Shell grit lets each hen take what she needs — no more, no less. It also aids digestion by helping the gizzard grind food properly.
Why use a dedicated feeder?
Don't mix shell grit with feed. When mixed, hens can't self-regulate — they'll either get too much or too little. A separate dispenser lets them choose.
The Small Feeder's 3.5L capacity is perfect for shell grit. It'll last weeks for a small flock, stays clean and dry, and keeps the grit off the ground where it gets wasted.
What's in the box
Related: Why Quality Complete Feed Matters for Laying Hens — Learn the 90% rule and how shell grit supports a quality feed foundation.
Product Specifications
- Savings:
- $14.95
- Includes:
- Small Chicken Feeder (3.5L), 2x Shell Grit 700gm
- Best For:
- Free-choice calcium supplementation
Absolutely. It's the same Small Chicken Feeder we sell individually. We've bundled it with shell grit because customers kept asking for a dedicated calcium station — but you can use it for whatever you like.
For a small flock of 3–6 hens, two 700gm bags will typically last 2–4 months depending on how heavily they're laying. Heavy layers consume more calcium.
Near (but separate from) their main feeder and water. Hens like to eat grit after their main meal. Keep it undercover to stay dry — wet shell grit clumps and doesn't flow as well.
Both provide calcium, but shell grit (crusite shell) is harder and breaks down more slowly in the gizzard, providing sustained calcium release. Crushed egg shells work but dissolve faster. Many keepers offer both.
Yes. Layer feed provides baseline calcium (around 4%), but individual hens have different needs. Free-choice shell grit lets heavy layers, older hens, and hens in hot weather top up as needed. It's cheap insurance against thin shells.