Can chickens get grit in there run?

[Willow's Meadow]

My chickens have a huge run! Its about 25 ft by 15 ft or so. And its got a big dirt/mulch area with big bushes and trees plus they have a big grass area. Would they get grit in there or do I have to give it to them? The feed stores around here dont' have grit. They peck and eat ALOT of things in the dirt. lol

 

[33yardbirds]

I would supply grit, dirt and mulch are just that. I don't supply it because I have so much sand with all kinds of small rocks and gravel that they pick and chose what they want. With all their scratching and a little rain they have a new supply.

 

[1_FnkyFrm]

If their run is on grass and dirt they will be fine...

 

[moetrout]

My birds free range and I do offer them grit, but they haven't touched it. I have had the same grit in their coup for months. I think you would be ok, but would still offer grit if possible.

 

[woodmort]

Mine do but I only supply grit in the coop in the winter when they either won't go outside or cant't.

 

[cafarmgirl]

My chickens also have a very large run that they quickly turned to dirt only. They also free range a couple hours a day. However our soil here is very fine/sandy so I do supply a small dish of grit and they do eat it, I refill it once a week. If you have rocky/pebbly soil they should be ok. I just like knowing that by me supplying it, it's there if they need it.

 

[DaniLovesChickens]

I would say it all depends on what kind of dirt you have. I didn't supply grit for my pullets ( who are still separate from the rest). I now have a 22-week-old ISA brown with an impacted crop which we figure was from a too big rock. I guess we didn't have enough sandy area for them.