Do I Need Grit?????

[PandaGirl]

Ok, so I know that this has probably been talked about before but I have some questions about my particular circumstance. Do I need grit for

A. Chickens who are free ranging( In a mobile coop that we move from enclosure to enclosure) and eating store bought feed ( country companion all flock)

B. Chickens who are free ranging( In a mobile coop that we move from enclosure to enclosure) and eating non crushed hole grains( wheat oats barley and such)

C. Chickens who are free ranging( In a mobile coop that we move from enclosure to enclosure) and eating ground up grain ( wheat oats barley and such)

Thanks!!!

 

[Yardmom]

Do they have access to small stones on the ground?

 

[Chickensandhorsesforlife]

I do not use grit and all17 of mine are fine

 

[Thunder344]

Grit is small pebbles that chickens eat that help break their food down into smaller pieces. If your chickens have access to small pebbles on the ground, you do not need grit. I like to have some in a container where they can get it if they want it.

 

[PandaGirl]

How do I know if they are not getting what they need??

 

[Brooks_]

How do I know if they are not getting what they need??

You likely won't. The grit is cheap and lasts a long time. It's easy to just put a container of grit near the food.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Grit is needed if they eat whole grains, seeds, grass and weeds.
If you're not sure if the area chickens are grazing contains small pebbles, it would be a good idea to provide grit.
My chickens are kept in pens and only Free Range an hour daily, weather permitting.
Right now the ground is frozen and snow covered.

I've had chickens nearly 5 years and I am on my second 25 lb bag which is over half full.
I average 7 chickens, currently I have 8. GC

 

[Sweet Road Island Reds]

Ok, so I know that this has probably been talked about before but I have some questions about my particular circumstance. Do I need grit for

A. Chickens who are free ranging( In a mobile coop that we move from enclosure to enclosure) and eating store bought feed ( country companion all flock)

B. Chickens who are free ranging( In a mobile coop that we move from enclosure to enclosure) and eating non crushed hole grains( wheat oats barley and such)

C. Chickens who are free ranging( In a mobile coop that we move from enclosure to enclosure) and eating ground up grain ( wheat oats barley and such)

Thanks!!!

I used chick grit in their food I’d give them something soft like banana and mix it other wise my free range birds have access to a rock garden and are perfectly healthy

 

[PandaGirl]

Ok, if it last so long, I see no reason not to give it to them , thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ok, if it last so long, I see no reason not to give it to them , thanks!

A bag lasts forever (since it's just crushed rock), it's cheap, and there's really no downside. So better to provide it instead of guessing if there's enough in their environment.