grit?

Don't use builder's sand.  

I use crushed oyster shells for my chickens.  You should be able to get it at your poultry supplies store, or maybe even your local pet store.

Crushed oystershell is not grit, it dissolves and is a source of calcium.  It cannot be used by the chickens in the gizzard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by questions543 

Hey im just getting started and have been doing alot of research... I need grit for my chickens and know that sands works, is there any type of sand I shouldnt use? I know this might sound stupid but can you buy sand from the home Depot and use that?

Do not use the play sand that you buy at the big home building supply stores.  You could get some from a cenent construction company, or you could just get some from the side of a creek or river. Plain old dirt from your yard will work also.
 

If your chickens are still baby chicks, you can buy grit from any pet store that's used for pet birds, such as parakeets. 

Why only when they are baby chicks? What happens when chicks become adults to make it so you can't use pet store grit?

adult hens need a "bigger' grit than what pet stores normally sell.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweetysvoice 

If your chickens are still baby chicks, you can buy grit from any pet store that's used for pet birds, such as parakeets. 

I read that grit should be marked for poultry use and not to use grit for pet birds. Is there a difference? other then size of the grit?

Grit for pet cage birds often is fortified with calcium. Not such a good idea for little chicks. Check the label.

I've never heard that adult chickens cannot have pet store grit. It would be a rather expensive option.

Here's a pic of chick grit from the feedstore. Hens can use bigger grit, but I have found that the feedstores around here carry "hen grit" that isn't any larger, and most sand from box stores is also small.

Imp