Using lava rock and landscape rock as insoluble grit

[ahappycamper]

I have too much lava rock and this type of landscape rock

https://www.google.com/search?q=pin...Ag&biw=360&bih=572&dpr=3#imgrc=fPdiU8g-RaGSOM
Would both of these make good insoluble grit if i crushed them up a bit? I probably dont even need to crush them up as i have a lot of the crumbly bits of leftover rock

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would not use that. Lava rock is very soft and won't stay in the bird long enough to do any good.
The other rock....what a pain to try to break it up into usable sizes. I guess if you need to get some exercise you could try it. Wear safety glasses or full face shield.

 

[Nor-Cal Chickens]

Why would you want to crush the pink rock? I only ask because my wife and I have paid good money for those particular pink rocks in the past.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I would not us any volcanic lava-rock anywhere around my birds!!!
If you do some research about volcanic ash and jet engines or what volcanic ash will do to your lungs if it is inhaled you will understand why.
Lava and volcanic ash is literally glas, it has sharp edges that will hurt your bird's gizzards and will ultimately kill them.
I would not use colourful rocks either: Those colours are created by metals in the rock, for example Copper will color rocks turquoise/green/ bluish. I don't know which metal will turn rocks pink, but i'm very certain it won't do any good to birds…
In case those rocks are being artificially coloured - i guess we don't have to discuss that, have we?

 

[Mtnboomer]

Yep don't use any rock with the potential for sharp edges and volcanic rocks especially are sharp to the touch and on microscopic level. Could cause internal ruptures or abrasions and lead to infection.

 

[ahappycamper]

Why would you want to crush the pink rock? I only ask because my wife and I have paid good money for those particular pink rocks in the past.

I have way too much of it!

 

[Ridgerunner]

What is your pink rock? Limestone, granite, or something else? If it is pink granite they well that for insoluble grit. Some people like a sharp or irregular bit of rock for grit but they quickly get ground pretty smooth inside the gizzard.

Iron content is typically what makes rock red or pink but it could be some other minerals in there. I personally would not worry about the color of the rock.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Just did some Google searches: Pink volcanic-rocks may contain Manganese-, Iron- or Nickel- oxides. Don't know about Manganese, but Nickel is definitely not healthy…