Grit Addiction

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Here's a limestone ? for you. I hear varying opinions about using limestone to sweeten the deep litter in the coop, and to sprinkle a bit on the soil or DL in the run. I also hear that certain types of limestone are "too hot" and will damage the chicken's feet. Following that discussion, I picked up a bag of Agricultural lime, though I'd have to go down and look at it to know what it is specifically. I'd love your feed back on what is an appropriate grade/type of limestone to use in coop and run.



My flock is on layer feed as well (usually fermented). I offer oyster shell, though not all the time. When egg production goes up, or I see eggs with rough shells, I put out the OS. IMO, they will eat it when needed, and leave it if it's not needed. I think some birds do not metabolize calcium as well as others, therefore their needs are higher.



Excellent question.

I have used barn lime for years, we used to use when we had a dairy farm to control moisture, and generally keep things cleaner.

We now use just the same in our chicken pens, on the concrete floor, on the poop board, in the nestboxes in the summer, and even in the run. I haven't seen any problems from it's use. It definitely doesn't burn and can help with keeping external parasites under control because of its drying ability. Make sure it's barn lime, around here the main brand is called Mighty White.

 

[Kacey Elle]

Sorry for the slow post--time got away from me today.

look at your layer maximum my 16 is not good enough for most layers that is what being offered I feed 18% max and min I also offer oyster but do not go through much although it is 5 gallon metal bucket always there... How many birds do you have ? ages? coop space? this can be a problem also

-The nutrition label says: Crude Protein Not Less Than 16.1%
It lists calcium between 4.5 and 4.98%

The reason I ask, is I've had the co-op and feed store try to sell me oyster shell as grit and technically it is. There are two basic types of grit: Soluble and insoluble. OS is soluble which means it breaks down in the gizzard and the bird can use the nutrients from it (calcium for oyster shell). Insoluble grit is generally made from granite, quartz, or limestone or possibly a combination of two or more. Limestone is the softest and also loaded with calcium. The harder the stone, the longer it will stay in the gizzard without breaking down. Depending on manufacturer, grit typically comes in four or five sizes:

• Chick grit: 1/16"
• Grower grit: 3/16: (not available where I am)
• Chicken grit: 5/16"
• Turkey grit: 3/8" (not available where I am)
• Some sell a 1/2" or 5/8" for turkey as well.

I have rocky soil and still provide grit free choice. When I process gizzards I find a lot of what I provide as well as a lot of larger stones. I know a lot of folks who don't buy their grit from the feed store but instead use their local quarry. Not all quarries have the equipment to grind to 5/16" or smaller, but generally there will be one not too far that does.

As an interesting side note, a lot of nutritionists use a 50/50 mix when blending feed using 50% limestone and 50% oyster shell to meet the calcium requirements. So it's entirely possible that you have limestone already present in your layer feed. To put this in perspective, my grower has 10# of limestone per Ton.

-I'm not going to be able to get a picture of my grit anytime soon. The chickens had totally finished it when I went out there and the feed store is restocking too...of course. I did a quick internet search and what I was using looks like a mix of the two grits on the left and middle except our bigger grit chunks are light gray, if that helps to know what they are.

 

[Welshies]

Sorry for the slow post--time got away from me today.


-The nutrition label says: Crude Protein Not Less Than 16.1%
It lists calcium between 4.5 and 4.98%


-I'm not going to be able to get a picture of my grit anytime soon. The chickens had totally finished it when I went out there and the feed store is restocking too...of course. I did a quick internet search and what I was using looks like a mix of the two grits on the left and middle except our bigger grit chunks are light gray, if that helps to know what they are.

OP, you need a higher protein level. Try 18-22% all flock or maintenance feed with a side of oyster shell and grit. Feeding lay feed to non laying birds (hens, roosters, or chicks) can harm them and slow development. Best of luck

 

[pennyJo1960]

Sorry for the slow post--time got away from me today.

-The nutrition label says: Crude Protein Not Less Than 16.1%
It lists calcium between 4.5 and 4.98%

-I'm not going to be able to get a picture of my grit anytime soon. The chickens had totally finished it when I went out there and the feed store is restocking too...of course. I did a quick internet search and what I was using looks like a mix of the two grits on the left and middle except our bigger grit chunks are light gray, if that helps to know what they are.

oyster shell not sure what they are doing with the other two may have other things in it

 

[rjohns39]

Since your girls are laying your feed choice is fine. I suspect your grit issue is one or a combination of things. The really fine chick grit likely won't be retained in the gizzard. Based upon your description, I'm thinking you've probably got a mix of limestone and something else (quarts or granite). Ask your feed guy if you can get a pure crushed granite chick grit or you can also check your box store as they often have granite of the appropriate size—just be sure that if you get it at a box store, the only ingredient is granite. I would suggest get a small amount and see if their consumption changes after a few days.

 

[Kacey Elle]

Since your girls are laying your feed choice is fine. I suspect your grit issue is one or a combination of things. The really fine chick grit likely won't be retained in the gizzard. Based upon your description, I'm thinking you've probably got a mix of limestone and something else (quarts or granite). Ask your feed guy if you can get a pure crushed granite chick grit or you can also check your box store as they often have granite of the appropriate size—just be sure that if you get it at a box store, the only ingredient is granite. I would suggest get a small amount and see if their consumption changes after a few days.

-Thanks for the advice about the grit! Since starting this thread, I've been learning that some people just buy it straight from a quarry. Would you recommend that route? I'm pretty sure my feed store doesn't carry any other grit. When I asked him yesterday, he suggested "oyster grit" if I didn't like the stuff in the bin that I usually buy. And I know that's not right.

 

[rjohns39]

Call your local quarry and see if they have crushed granite or quarts through a 5/16" sieve. If they don't they will likely know who does. If what they have is mixed that is fine too. Simply put, the harder the stone, the longer it will stay in the gizzard and the less they'll eat.

ETA: Make sure they know you want chemical free.

 

[Kacey Elle]

Rjohns39: Will do. Thanks again for the advice and wisdom! I really appreciate that you took the time to help me (and my flock).

 

[rjohns39]

Rjohns39: Will do. Thanks again for the advice and wisdom! I really appreciate that you took the time to help me (and my flock).

You're very welcome. That's what we do here... Next time someone has a grit question, you'll be able to help.