Grit for Winter

[ChickenBreath]

We live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and keeping chickens over the winter can be a challenge. Our chickens free range in the spring, summer and autumn and so are able to find grit on their own. Winter will be another story, because even if they get out of the coop for a while during the day, the ground is frozen and covered with snow. What do you guys do to supply your chickens with grit in the winter months?

 

[schmoo]

Buy it at the feed store

 

[Smitty's Farm]

I started a thread a few weeks back, b/c I was wondering the same thing. I couldn't beleive that a big store like Rural King that carries most chicken supplies didn't carry it. I had been using Gravel and Grit by Hartz occassionally, but it's a small box, small grit size and hard to find. I ordered some from online, but it was expensive. Since then I have found a small local feed store that carries it by the pound......much cheeper. (50 cents a lb) They also carry layer crumbles and osyster shell by the lb. I am thrilled to find a store closer to home. Just wish they carried the bedding. Good luck!

 

[ChickenBreath]

Thanks Smitty. As of yet, I'm not having much luck finding grit in our area at any of the four (count 'em four) feed stores within seventy miles of us. I may have to resort to buying it online and biting the bullet when it comes to postage.

 

[Smitty's Farm]

Keep looking in your area. I was about to give up. It was very frustrating. I looked since the spring and finally found a little small feed store that carries it. You can buy the gravel and grit in pet section By Hartz at K-mart, wal-mart, target, grocery stores, etc just to get by until you can find the bigger grain stuff. Some people buy play sand at locat hardware stores, but be careful and read all ingredients and make sure it doesn't contain salt in it.

You can also buy it on line.
I bought a 5 lb bag from www.mypetchicken.com for $7.00 (Expensive) Schmoo shared the site with me.
I was lazy and didn't shop around to compare prices.
I was thankful to find some to get me by until I found the local feed store. It got here really quick by ground services. You may even consider asking one of the local feed stores to order it for you. If they know you will be a returning customer they may be willing to keep some in stock. Good luck!