Advice on offering oystershell grit to wild birds

[KKing]

Hi everyone,

I’ve read that oystershell grit is helpful to wild birds in the breeding season in terms of boosting nutrients for eggshell production. But my good intentions melted into confusion when the first bag of oystershell grit that I ordered arrived without any instructions!

Does anyone have any experience or tips about offering oystershell grit to wild birds, or the safe amounts to add to seed mixes?

Many thanks in advance!

[Lisa]

Hi KKing

Oystershell grit can be added to food at a rate of about five per cent by weight, offered on its own in a shallow receptacle such as a mealworm dish or jam jar lid, or simply scattered on the ground for the birds to pick up as they forage.

We do include oystershell grit in our Table Seed Mix, Ground Blend and All Seasons Mix so we do not recommend you add any more to these 3 foods.

I will look into whether we are able to add some additional instructions to the packaging on the oystershell grit in future to make this clearer for customers.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Lisa

[KKing]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks very much for the helpful info - it was especially good to know which CJD seed mixes already have a sprinkling of grit, so I won't overdo it. As it is, I'm working with the Hi-energy No Mess seed, peanuts and dried fruit, so I'll work on the proportions you and your colleague Sarah Macklin have suggested.

Many thanks,
Kathleen

[Jenny]

Lisa,

Do scallop shells work the same way as oyster shells? If so, I can start a great new business!