Adding to feed

[Danny D]

Does anybody know if it is benificial to put grit and oyster shells in the feed everytime they feed? I have heard that the grit helps with digestion and the oyster shells help harden the eggshell.

 

[KDK1]

I don't add it to the feed. Both are available free choice in the coop.

 

[nurse_turtle]

If your birds free range, they don't need grit. If you feed a quality feed product, you won't need oyster shell. The only thing I add to the Purina flock raiser or Layena is BOSS, scratch grain and whole kernel corn.

 

[Clay Mudd]

Quote:
+1. Chickens will naturally self-select the amount of both they need. Mixing either into the feed can end up forcing them to consume too much.

From another thread:

Quote:
edited to add: the article linked at the end is good reading for anyone who's letting their chickens forage at all.

and

According to Gail Damerow, author of Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, "I agree that a calcium source should not be mixed with other food to force or encourage hens to eat it. Calcium should be offered separately, free choice, so hens can take as much or as little (or none) as they want/need.

http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/5/5-4/calcium_should_only_be_offered_free-choice.html​