How much grit do chickens need?

gel2727

Songster
10 Years
May 5, 2009
197
1
121
CT
Do they really even need it? I have 1 year old chickens that I've never given grit to. Should I start? Should I get my new chicks some chick grit? If so, how do you feed it to them?

I thought I read somewhere when I first got the older ones that they didn't need grit if they had access to dirt (their entire run is dirt and I usually throw in some lettuce, vegetables, dandelion, or clover every day). The chicks don't eat anything but the chick starter, and are kept in the brooder until fully feathered (I will start taking them for supervised visits to the run at about 3-4 weeks).

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Your older chickens are getting the grit from your dirt floor. If you feed your new chicks treats then you need to include grit, if you do not feed them treats then no grit is needed.
I give my grit in a small dish and put it in there when treats are being offered, otherwise I don't have grit offered.
 
I feed oyster shell and grit in pig feeders hung on coup wall. Oyster shell is for calcium. Grit is for proper digestion of the food they eat. Mine eat less grit in the summer. I think they get enough from the driveway and in the yard. grit is very important. Please remember oyster shell is not a replacement for grit and grit is not a replacement for oyster shell.
 
OK, I know this thread is 3 years old, but maybe someone will still see this?? ; ) -- Does anyone know at what age I can switch from chick grit to the regular size poultry grit? Thanks a bunch!!
 
I would say once they start laying you could switch. But I think the smaller grit for chicks will also be ok for your layers or older chickens.
 

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