Hen Diamond chasing Pollys Calcium Mix

[till02]

Hi
One of my Diamond hens with young in the nest is looking for the Polly's calcium mix each morning when i put it out. They also have cuttlebone available. I had a similar case with another hen who died. I'm in SE QLD and we seem to have a problem with candida (yeast infection) in Diamonds. Is the chasing of calcium mix related to candida problem or my birds lacking something else. All other species are fine and never act this way. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

[firetail555]

I would say she is lacking in something. Try giving them some good quality vitamins as well, particularly vitamin D3 as they need this to absorb the calcium. They get it naturally from the sun, but given all the rain lately, maybe they havent had enough sun. Either way it wont hurt to boost her with some vitamins. I sprinkle a teaspoon of vitamin powder on the sproated seed and never seem to have calcium/egg binding problems
David

[Fincho162]

Agree with Firetail but if its the product you're worried about I've used it for years before it became readily available - obviously!!

As long as you keep it dry you'll be fine - but the way you feed it sounds extra cautious so shoudln't be the grit that's the problem. Not saying this is your problem but some finches with a gizzard worm problem will use the Canundra shells in it to try and grind their seed as harder grit hurts them because of the action of the gizzard worms...................understandable really!!

All the ingredients are treated and IF you keep it dry the calcium mix is OK and actually has D3 in it.

For the record John Butler no longer makes and supplies it on the Mainland due to ill health but you can obtain it direct from Elenbee Seeds in Sydney and they'll mail it direct to you as JB did.

[Myzomela]

Hi Till02,

I agree with both firetail's & fincho's comments.

Birds with gut problems will often seek and consume excessive amounts of grit.

It could be yeast infection as you've said (particulalry with your weather lately), gizzardworms as per Fincho's comments or one of several other gut infections.

You will probably need to have a faecal sample tested to help you find out which of these is involved because the treatments are all quite different.

I would isolate the affected bird, avoid giving it more grit, give it soft,easy to digest food until you find the cause. The bird may also pass poorly digested seed in its droppings.