Grit size

[LCG Chicken Coop]

I have a question about grit size. I ordered some Manna grit online and it seemed a good size for my then 15 week old flock. Then I bought some grit from the local feed store and it was tiny in comparison (and not labeled chick grit!) The grit is like 1-2 mm diameter.

what is a good size for adult hens? Mine are now 20 weeks. Is small grit doing nothing for them?

thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

There's multiple sizes of "adult" grit and that's why you're seeing a variance. Here's my grit containers, with chick on left, and then two adult sizes (different brands) in middle and right. Middle was sold as "hen grit" and right "layer grit" but that's just the manufacturer's terms - I use the middle size for pullets (roughly 8 weeks - 16 weeks) and the large for older pullets and hens.

Ideally you want to give them access to larger grit as that will last longer and be more effective.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Grit that is too small for the size of the bird is pretty worthless. It will just pass right through the gizzard along with undigested food.
These sizes are similar to those I've seen on other charts.
What size poultry grit do I need?
Cherry Stone Poultry Grit comes in four pre-sorted size options:
Poultry Grit #1 is the smallest with average size of 1/16”. It is best for turkeys age 1-5 days or chickens age 1-3 weeks
Poultry Grit #2 averages 3/16”. Recommended for turkeys age 6-21 days and chickens age 4-6 weeks
Poultry Grit #3 averages 5/16”. Recommended for turkeys age 3-8 weeks and chickens age 7+ weeks
Poultry Grit #4 averages 3/8”. Recommended for turkeys age 8+ weeks
When deciding between sizes for your birds, it is usually better to select a larger size than smaller.
(From TCC Materials)

 

[aart]

http://www.jupefeeds-sa.com/documents/GraniteGrit.pdf.

I bought about a 2 gallon bag of granite grit from the local mill, they put it in their chicken scratch. Ran it thru a colander with 1/16" holes. Bagged the smaller stuff for the chicks and sprinkle some over a chunk of sod in the brooder during the second week.

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Grit that is too small for the size of the bird is pretty worthless. It will just pass right through the gizzard along with undigested food.
These sizes are similar to those I've seen on other charts.
What size poultry grit do I need?
Cherry Stone Poultry Grit comes in four pre-sorted size options:
Poultry Grit #1 is the smallest with average size of 1/16”. It is best for turkeys age 1-5 days or chickens age 1-3 weeks
Poultry Grit #2 averages 3/16”. Recommended for turkeys age 6-21 days and chickens age 4-6 weeks
Poultry Grit #3 averages 5/16”. Recommended for turkeys age 3-8 weeks and chickens age 7+ weeks
Poultry Grit #4 averages 3/8”. Recommended for turkeys age 8+ weeks
When deciding between sizes for your birds, it is usually better to select a larger size than smaller.
(From TCC Materials)

That's helpful. I've been using #2 for my flock. Next time I think I'll get #3.

 

[Henry&Friends]

Do you free range your birds? They'll likely go out of their way to find themselves some grit while Scratching around in dirt and rocks

 

[GC-Raptor]

It should be about the same size as Oyster Shells.

GC

 

[LCG Chicken Coop]

It should be about the same size as Oyster Shells. View attachment 2003924GC

Thanks! That’s what I was suspecting. The Manna Pro was like this.

 

[Papmike]

Hi LCG,
As GCraptor said keep for future chicks. It can be used for adult birds if you run short, but they will use more of it as it will get ground down faster in their gizzard.

 

[VictoriaTemple]

I wouldn’t worry too much about grit size, mine do fabulously with play sand.