Ate all the grit

[ilikepigeons]

I have two 4 month old Birmingham rollers that I got about two weeks ago. I wasn't planning for them to lay so I didn't offer grit, just seed mix and BVM powder twice a week (as directed on package). But I believe it is a pair and they did lay a clutch. A few days ago I offered them a pinch of grit inside a little animal feed dish, like the ones people use for mice. Everything was gone in the morning. I'm not sure if I should be offering more grit if they ate it all since they needed it, or if they are mistaking it for food.
I'm pretty sure they are not used to being offered grit, they were just 24/7 free range pigeons the owner had caught when I got them, they were born free range. Perhaps they are used to going and searching for their own grit rather than being offered it?
The assumed hen in the pair is a bit more quiet, not sick quiet, just less active than the assumed male. Could this be a symptom of a calcium deficiency or just normal? Because I wasn't expecting it I did not offer grit prior to laying.

 

[cavemanrich]

Grit is not the same as calcium source like oyster shells. Pigeon grit is also fortified with minerals. (assuming you have grit similar to what I have.)
Grit is necessary for grinding the seeds. It is not something you give only when anticipating eggs.
Offer the pigeons the grit free-choice. and you should have good results raising healthy pigeons.

 

[LamarshFish]

As Cavemanrich said, grit is not just for calcium but for digesting food. It should be offered all the time. I mix my redstone grit with oyster shells to supplement for egg laying.

It's surprising 4 month old birds are already laying/breeding. Usually it's closer to 7 months. Maybe they are older than you think? Either way, just let them do their thing. If they are that young, and it is their first clutch, keep your expectations somewhat low. Pigeons sometimes aren't great parents on their first try or two, especially if they start young.