Chick feeder for chicken grit?

[FunintheRun]

Hello! I need to start giving my hens some grit and oyster shells, and I'm wondering if I can use the little chick feeders to do it. Eventually I want to set up those tall PVC pipe feeders for feed, grit, shells, etc, but I don't have the time right now.

I couls probably just pour some in a bowl or rinsed can, but I wanted something a little more intentional. Are the little giant chick feeders too small for hens for grit and calcium?

 

[tripletfeb]

As long as they can put their beaks in, they can use it. I would elevate it a little for them, helps keep it clean. I use chick feeders for my hens for their oyster shell and grit and have never had a problem in years

 

[FunintheRun]

Awesome, ans thanks for the quick reply! I have several tree stumps and pavers of various heights, so I'll definitely get it off the ground for them. Thanks for the advice!

 

[piminuse]

I originally used a feeder like what you had, then switched to a small pie tin, but they kept knocking it over, so I switched to a soap dish screwed into the wood for the grit and oyster. They work great and the birds don't make any mess.

 

[FunintheRun]

I originally used a feeder like what you had, then switched to a small pie tin, but they kept knocking it over, so I switched to a soap dish screwed into the wood for the grit and oyster. They work great and the birds don't make any mess.

Seems simple and effective. Thanks for the suggestion. Do you by chance have a picture of the set up? Or what type of soap dish do you mean?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I use cat food feeders for the oyster shell and grit. You can fill them from the top, they hold a good supply, and they are plenty heavy enough not to get tipped over. They are also clear so you can easily see how much is being used and when to refill, and they are deep enough that not much gets billed out and wasted. Setting them on cinder blocks keeps them above the bedding to keep them clean.

 

[FunintheRun]

View attachment 2405898

I use cat food feeders for the oyster shell and grit. You can fill them from the top, they hold a good supply, and they are plenty heavy enough not to get tipped over. They are also clear so you can easily see how much is being used and when to refill, and they are deep enough that not much gets billed out and wasted. Setting them on cinder blocks keeps them above the bedding to keep them clean.

Oh wow, that's a great idea!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Oh wow, that's a great idea!

Thanks, glad you like it!

 

[jreardon1918]

I use an old rabbit feeder. I put a piece of cardboard inside to separate grit and oyster shell.

 

[aart]

This is what I use for egg/oyster shell.
I don't free feed granite grit.