Grit question?

[vjbakke]

My run has a mix of sand and dirt in it in some spots, grass the rest. The girls use it as a dust bath area. My questions is do I need to give them another type of grit, like oyster shell or crushed granite? Will the sand and dirt be enough for them? If I need other grit how do I got about adding it in?

Thanks

 

[pontoosuc]

the oyster shell is not the same as the granite grit. they oyster shell is to provide additional calcium for strong shells, the granite for grit.

Since both are fairly inexpensive, I'd provide both free choice.

 

[vjbakke]

Thanks. I'll give the oyster shell when they start laying, do you offer it on the ground or in feeders/ dishes?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Quote:
Some people offer oyster shell in a dish or a tuna can nailed onto the wood. I have a cement block on the ground that I put a little pile of oyster shell on every few days.

 

[moetrout]

My chickens are free range most days and when not are on a sandy run. I still offer grit to them 24/7. I put my grit (and oyster shell) in dog bowls in the covered area of their run.

 

[CarolynF]

Some people will use egg shells instead of buying oyster shell. If you choose to do that you should probably 1) rinse the shells well to remove the egg scent, and 2) crush them well so they no longer resemble eggs. Some people bake them some, too, also to remove the egg scent. I nuke 'em.

It's dries them fast and "bakes" them at the same time.