Do I need to provide grit -- if I use sand in their run?

[10xmama]

Just wondering. Their coop has pine shavings but their run has a sand floor. Do I still need to provide them with grit? My girls are 10 wks old and I just switched from Purina Start and Grow to Countryside Organics starter. It is much chunkier than what they were eating before ...l so I want to make sure they won't have any trouble, thanks.

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Depends on the sand. If the sand is coarser, then they should be fine, but if it is playground sand, then you may want to provide grit. Either way, it may be best to offer grit anyways.

 

[10xmama]

Well then ... I guess I need to make my way to the feed store soon. Thanks.

FWIW ... it's not playground sand but I'm not sure exactly how you'd classify it. We ordered the load of sand for our brick mason who is bricking some columns for us on our property. He uses the sand in his mortar ... we figured we'd make good use out of the rest and use it in our chicken run. .... seems a bit coarser than playground sand but I'm no expert.

 

[chfite]

If you have sand or soil, the chickens can probably get the grit they need. Mine get what they need from the soil here.

Chris

 

[10xmama]

Thanks Chris. I assume they are eating some of the sand b/c they peck things out of it all day long.... But I am a novice so I thought I better seek advice.

 

[JNB]

If you have sand or soil, the chickens can probably get the grit they need. Mine get what they need from the soil here.

Chris

X2

Mine free range and have a dirt run. They do wonderful and have not needed grit. I have been told by many that if the birds have access to dirt, sand etc then they are fine with out grit

 

[Ravenseye]

I rarely supply grit now. They have a dirt run and often free range in the spring, summer and fall. The only time I provide grit is if it's winter and I've raised chicks in the barn. If they're still in there when the start to lay, I add a little grit to their diet and then give them grit in a bowl. Once they're outside, all is well.

 

[Debra Bame]

I’m a novice too, so I feel your pain! I purchased River bed sand which they assured me came straight from the river bank..even has remnants of small shells in it. I too wondered if I needed to supply grit..my flock of chicks range from 3 weeks to 5 weeks old and they too peck at the sand in their run all day..hope they’re not getting too much for their age, but in all my research I found River bank sans was the superior choice for both the coop floor and the run. They are currently in a brooder inside the coop with a heat lamp at night but they go in and out all day long! I want to be a good chicken momma for my girls, so someone correct me if I’m not doing it right PLEASE!