Do you provide multiple grit or oyster shell stations?

[thecatumbrella]

I'm thinking this question is more for people that keep their birds penned.

My enclosure is 9x18. The grit and oyster shell are at the far end, in the most shaded area. They spend lots of time over there on hot days, but not so much on cooler days like today (all the fun stuff's on the sunnier side). Do I need to provide a secondary station for them? Or is it too much to ask that they walk all of 18 feet to meet their grit/calcium needs?

 

[User690263]

I'm thinking this question is more for people that keep their birds penned.

My enclosure is 9x18. The grit and oyster shell are at the far end, in the most shaded area. They spend lots of time over there on hot days, but not so much on cooler days like today (all the fun stuff's on the sunnier side). Do I need to provide a secondary station for them? Or is it too much to ask that they walk all of 18 feet to meet their grit/calcium needs?

I don't think you need to add another station, unless they're fighting over the current station.

 

[CabritaChicks]

It’s really not too much to ask — in fact, encouraging more movement is a good thing. Chickens thrive when they stay active, exploring, scratching, and foraging as they naturally would. They may not be the sharpest tools in the shed, but they do a surprisingly good job of self-regulating when given access to a variety of natural options. As long as they're healthy and have balanced access to food, grit, and clean water, there's no need to micromanage every bite. So take a breath, step back, and let chickens do what they do best — make breakfast.

 

[kattabelly]

I wouldn't bother as long as I knew they knew where it was and there were no other issues like a bully who was weirdly possessive of "her" oyster shell.

They should be able to get what they need themselves, so long as it's available and there's no other factors like disability.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I don't think you need to add another station, unless they're fighting over the current station.

I wouldn't bother as long as I knew they knew where it was and there were no other issues like a bully who was weirdly possessive of "her" oyster shell.

If they start fighting over very small rocks, we're going to be in dire straights over here. Thanks guys.

It’s really not too much to ask — in fact, encouraging more movement is a good thing.

I got this breed because they were supposedly "relaxed" and would do well in confinement. Well, they never stop moving. Ever. Much, much busier than my Black Australorps ever were.

I guess that's a good thing. It means they're keeping busy and have plenty to do. But yeah, I'm probably overthinking this. They just eat so much non-food crap... because why eat the pellet you found in the mulch when you can eat the mulch itself!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

My last flock was penned and I only had one oyster shell tray. They did just fine! Hopefully that is reassuring for you. I only have one now as well but they are free range so it’s less relevant. In neither case did any of them ever fight over or defend it.

 

[theoldchick]

If I have a mixed flock with roosters I will feed a maintenance pellet (Flockraiser) and supply oyster shells in rubber bowls for the hens. You'll have to find a way to support the bowl so the hens won't tip it over. Also make sure to place the bowl where the oyster shells will stay dry. Good question!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I keep both grit and oyster shell / eggshell inside the coop so the containers stay dry (1 cup for each). The hens certainly aren't so inconvenienced at having to walk inside to grab a few when they need it.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I keep my grit and OS in these gravity-fed cat food feeders. I think they hold maybe a gallon each, and I fill them up about once a year, for 20+/- birds.

I am not lazy, I am efficient!

 

[HobbyHoarder]

I have 2 stations each of oyster and grit, but that's honestly just because I had the extra feeders and didn't want them floating around my storage room for now. I don't think my little flock really needs both a station inside their coop and out under their lean-to, but I also don't think it hurts.