DE, Oyster Shell and Grit

[Yellowcoop1]

Hi, I am starting a flock of about ten birds in a couple weeks. My question is:

How do I know how much DE, Oyster Shell and Grit to give the chickens on a daily basis (if they need it on a daily basis) also, how to feed it to them.

I will be purchasing a 25 lb bag of food to start with for my 10 (I plan on them being Juvenile pullets if all go as planned) how long do you think that will last if they also free-range in my yard a couple of hours a day.

Thanks in advance for the expert advice people ))

 

[Chickenchick11]

Hello and . I give oyster shell and grit free choice in small containers in the coop. Then the hens can take as much as they need of grit and oyster shell. I have heard mixed opinions on how much DE to give. I have heard many people say mix 1 pound of DE in 50 pounds of feed but that seems like a lot of DE to add to the feed. I usually add 1/2 pound of DE to 50 pounds of feed. But it's ultimately your choice of how much DE to give.

 

[Yellowcoop1]

Thanks chickenchick. I remember reading 1% somewhere on the DE, but I may be remembering wrong. Maybe it was the Oyster shell. I also heard DE in a dish so they can dust in it. I am unsure about the grit.

All this being the reason I come to the experts here

 

[Chickenchick11]

I also sprinkle DE in the nest boxes and on the floor of the coop.

 

[petrel]

Free choice here too. I started with chick grit, then regular grit. I use a "Grit Station" for the grit and the oyster shells.



This is the grit station. Not the best photo, and it is usually red. Has dividers inside.

 

[Chris09]

Ok, Oyster Shells and Grit and be just placed in bowls for them to pick at as needed. (1 bowl grit and 1 bowl Oyster Shells)
25# of feed may last you two week, depending on the quality of the feed, and how big your yard is.

As for the DE, I don't use it. It's good for keeping the feed from clumping and ok as a dust but that's about it.

Also if you put All Purpose Sand (not play sand) on the ground of your run you wont have to worry about grit plus it is a whole lot cheaper.

 

[Yellowcoop1]

My back yard is 75x125 or so. The floor of my Run will be turned forest composted type floor with lots of bugs for them to peck thru because it was previously forest area behind our fence which we have extended 25 feet back. I can turn it every now and then. Part of the run will be covered. I have grass and such in the rest of the yard with lots of worms in the soil, yum...

How much sand should I place in the run, it will be at least 150 Sq ft. Also, if I use sand do I just turn it when it gets pooped on?

 

[Chris09]

On the sand, I like it about 1-1/2 to 2 inches deep.
If your going to Lowes to get the sad, get 8 or 10 bags and see how far it takes you. If you need more you always get more or you can get it at a corey.
As for cleaning it all you have to do is run a lawn rake over it twice a week pick up the manurer and your done.