Grit or OS or Both

[Daisy June]

I have had this question in the back of my mind for quite a while and would like clarification. Do laying chickens need grit, or oyster shells, or must they have both? I do realize grit helps with digestion and oyster shells provide calcuim, but does grit also provide calcium?

 

[tlcmurphy]

I have had this question in the back of my mind for quite a while and would like clarification. Do laying chickens need grit, or oyster shells, or must they have both? I do realize grit helps with digestion and oyster shells provide calcuim, but does grit also provide calcium?

They need both. Grit is pieces of granite to grind their food, OS is to provide calcium to laying hens.

 

[tlcmurphy]

They need both. Grit is pieces of granite to grind their food, OS is to provide calcium to laying hens.

Grit is granite, no calcium

 

[Mvan42]

I don't offer grit but my chickens free range so they have access to natural grit.... examples are.. gravel,sand ect.... but yep they need both

 

[tlcmurphy]

I don't offer grit but my chickens free range so they have access to natural grit.... examples are.. gravel,sand ect.... but yep they need both

Good point, thanks!

 

[R2elk]

Hens need supplemental calcium whether it is supplied through layer feed or oyster shell.

Roosters do not need extra calcium which is why many people offer oyster shell for their calcium supplement instead of using layer feed.

All birds need grit to survive whether they get it naturally or as an offered supplement.

 

[Daisy June]

They need both. Grit is pieces of granite to grind their food, OS is to provide calcium to laying hens.

Thank you for that quick and clear response! I appreciate that.