Chicken Tractor - Grit and dust baths

[puddleglumWI]

Hi all. I am moving my 10 week old Cream Legbar pullets into the chicken tractos this weekend. They will have a 6' X 10' run on grass, and I will be moving them around the barnyard. They will be on grass, and I don't plan to free range them, so they won't have access to barren spots for finding grit. No doubt there is enough grit in the soil of the grass, but will they dig deep enough for it?

Should I provide grit for them to make sure they have what they need?

The same question seems like it could be applied to dustbaths. Should I provide them with a dustbath container on a regular basis?

Thank you,
-pg

 

[nuthatched]

Just get a little pool and fill with Peat moss fir a dust bath.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi all. I am moving my 10 week old Cream Legbar pullets into the chicken tractos this weekend. They will have a 6' X 10' run on grass, and I will be moving them around the barnyard. They will be on grass, and I don't plan to free range them, so they won't have access to barren spots for finding grit. No doubt there is enough grit in the soil of the grass, but will they dig deep enough for it?

Should I provide grit for them to make sure they have what they need?

The same question seems like it could be applied to dustbaths. Should I provide them with a dustbath container on a regular basis?

Thank you,
-pg

Yes, I would provide grit in a separate container within the tractor.

A dust bath would be a good idea too. A small pool as suggested would work or one of those concrete mixing tubs...anything that will hold some dirt. Peat moss with a little play sand.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Grit is extremely cheap and doesn't go bad so good insurance to provide some. I agree with the dust bath suggestions above.