Grit and scratch in run- attracts pests?

[Kaesi2020]

Hi all, I notice that many people scatter scratch in their runs. This does not attract pests? Does anyone scatter grit as well or other edibles? Thank you.

 

[RobertaD1]

They have never let the scratch lay long enough to attract pests.... they work till it's gone! I throw all kinds of edibles into the run, never had trouble. Having a feeder causes the most problems it seems! Grit I put in a crock in the coop. The can get it when they need it... but scattering it wont hit it, or them.

 

[3KillerBs]

When I tossed scratch into the run to encourage the chickens to turn their bedding it was only a few handfuls and the chickens gobbled it up promptly.

 

[Kellow1]

Hi all, I notice that many people scatter scratch in their runs. This does not attract pests? Does anyone scatter grit as well or other edibles? Thank you.

If you allow your chickens on the ground, either in a run or free-ranging, that is all the grit they need. Don't waste money on purchasing anything label "grit".

 

[Kaesi2020]

If you allow your chickens on the ground, either in a run or free-ranging, that is all the grit they need. Don't waste money on purchasing anything label "grit".

Good to know! Thanks. I do let them free range most of the day. I had bought a small bag of grit so when that is done perhaps I wont buy anymore.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you allow your chickens on the ground, either in a run or free-ranging, that is all the grit they need. Don't waste money on purchasing anything label "grit".

Not everyone has rocky soil appropriate to supply grit. Considering the low cost, buying a bag is easy insurance to guarantee that chickens have access to usable grit.

As far as scratch or other treats, I only toss out a little bit, which gets consumed in a minute or two. So nothing for pests to eat.

 

[RobertaD1]

My first group of girls always had crop problems because they didnt get enough grit from the soil... I buy a bag... and it last for a couple years. But, I havent had crop problems since...(knock on wood). Its cheap insurance especially if theres grass involved.

 

[CatsandCrops]

I agree - a small bag of grit lasts awhile and is a tiny investment in long term peace of mind.

 

[Kellow1]

My first group of girls always had crop problems because they didnt get enough grit from the soil... I buy a bag... and it last for a couple years. But, I havent had crop problems since...(knock on wood). Its cheap insurance especially if theres grass involved.

Grit is sand so if you have sandy soil or use sand in the coop as I do, the chicks will get enough grit! Don't feed a lot of scraps or treats, just a good quality well-balanced feed and your birds should be fine.