grit and oyster shell

[donrae]

If you get chicken feed wet, it turns to mush. In the bird, this same thing happens and the gizzard really doesn't need to "grind" the food up.

Most other things a bird eats won't soften like that. As stated, any grains/seeds/greens, any meat or bugs, pretty much anything but something like yogurt they'll need grit to start digestion.

 

[agunderson]

If I am feeding my year old hens layer feed and oyster shell do I need to give them grit? They aren't free run, but have a 10x20ft enclosed run full of grass, weeds etc.