Extensive research with chickens has indicated that for proper nutrition
and good health birds require quite a long list of minerals, some in
fairly substantial amounts, others in only minute traces. The trace
minerals and many of the others are present in sufficient quantity in
the foods regularly fed.
Calcium is required in larger amounts and is best supplied by keeping a
cuttle bone in the cage at all times. The cuttle bone is the backbone of
the saltwater cuttle fish and provides a ready source of calcium and
several other required minerals. If the cuttle bone becomes soiled or
dusty, replace it with a fresh one. Add a tiny pinch of salt to a treat
cup of Song Food or Sunshine Food once a week.
Occasionally dry and sterilize a few egg shells when you are using the
oven. Crushed and sprinkled in with the gravel, these make good
supplemental sources of calcium.