Re: Millet
Posted: 07 Jun 2011, 08:37
I found Mike's article interesting but do not agree with several points.
Mainly, he contends that too much calcium means that the the calcium:phosphorus ratio is out of balance meaning that the calcium can't be absorbed properly.
The problem with his argument is that most seeds, which are the basis of every finch's diet, have far more phosphorus than calcium. That is why you never see a calcium supplement with added phosphorus on the market, including those manufactured by avian vets such as Tony Gestier ( Vetafarm), Colin Walker or Rob Marshall. The only powdered supplement with added phosphorus is DCP powder which is made for domestic animals ( not on seed diets!!)
Of course, you shouldn't over supplement with any nutrient, including calcium and vitamin D3 ( which is essential for calcium absorption).
Personally, I think oversupplementing with vitamin D3 is far more dangerous than overdosing with calcium. Being a fat-soluble vitamin it is stored in the liver so overdosing will quickly lead to toxicity. If you overdose with calcium, but have low vitamin D3 levels, then most of the calcium will not be absorbed anyway. Most toxicities occur from overdoing the calcium and having normal to high levels of vitamin D3.
So I would agree that having readily avaialble soluble grit, cuttlebone etc are very important. Liquid calcium supplements are valuable where you suspect the birds are not eating their grit/cuttlebone or have not had access to these for several weeks before egg laying. In these situations liquid calcium supplements added to soft foods are very useful.
The effectiveness of liquid calcium supplements is less when placed in water in my experience.
As stated previously, there is more to egg binding than just calcium and vitamin D3. Laying hens need a good supply of trace minerals ( including magnesium and manganese), essential fatty acids ( omega 3 & 6) and a good amino acid profile in their diet. Many finch breeders supply this diet daily, often without realising it.
Mainly, he contends that too much calcium means that the the calcium:phosphorus ratio is out of balance meaning that the calcium can't be absorbed properly.
The problem with his argument is that most seeds, which are the basis of every finch's diet, have far more phosphorus than calcium. That is why you never see a calcium supplement with added phosphorus on the market, including those manufactured by avian vets such as Tony Gestier ( Vetafarm), Colin Walker or Rob Marshall. The only powdered supplement with added phosphorus is DCP powder which is made for domestic animals ( not on seed diets!!)
Of course, you shouldn't over supplement with any nutrient, including calcium and vitamin D3 ( which is essential for calcium absorption).
Personally, I think oversupplementing with vitamin D3 is far more dangerous than overdosing with calcium. Being a fat-soluble vitamin it is stored in the liver so overdosing will quickly lead to toxicity. If you overdose with calcium, but have low vitamin D3 levels, then most of the calcium will not be absorbed anyway. Most toxicities occur from overdoing the calcium and having normal to high levels of vitamin D3.
So I would agree that having readily avaialble soluble grit, cuttlebone etc are very important. Liquid calcium supplements are valuable where you suspect the birds are not eating their grit/cuttlebone or have not had access to these for several weeks before egg laying. In these situations liquid calcium supplements added to soft foods are very useful.
The effectiveness of liquid calcium supplements is less when placed in water in my experience.
As stated previously, there is more to egg binding than just calcium and vitamin D3. Laying hens need a good supply of trace minerals ( including magnesium and manganese), essential fatty acids ( omega 3 & 6) and a good amino acid profile in their diet. Many finch breeders supply this diet daily, often without realising it.
