Another grit question

[jimz1]

How long does grit stay in a chicks crop? When I give them treats How do I know if they have had enough grit to digest the treats?

 

[panner123]

If you free range your chickens there is really no need for grit. If not just leave some out for them as you would oyster shell, they will get it as needed.

 

[elmo]

Grit doesn't stay in the crop, it stays in the gizzard (or ventriculus). That's the chicken's second stomach, the muscular one. Think of the crop as a kind of grocery bag the chicken fills as she goes around gobbling up food.

If chickens have access to grit, they'll consume what they need. You don't have to worry about deciding on that for them.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

You want to make sure that they have grit available anytime you are feeding them vegtables. I give them an abundant source of grit and they only consume it when they need it.

 

[debid]

I don't know how long the grit stays in their crop -- it probably depends on the size/shape of the pieces since I believe they pass through when they get too small or rounded off. I'm dealing by just keeping a dish of grit in the brooder and refilling as needed. I see them getting grit at seemingly random times and they look like they're choosing each piece.