Grit Sizes

[PDXChickenChaser]

It seems like people often talk about chick grit, bantam grit, peacock grit, etc, but at the feed store I've noticed the grit is differentiated by a number (for instance, when I asked for chick grit they pointed me towards the #1 grit). Is this numbering system standard? What number grit should I buy for my pullets now that they're 14 weeks?

Thanks!

- James

 

[panner123]

If your chickens are out where they eat and scratch in the dirt, you shouldn't need to give them grit. They will be able to find what they need on the ground. If you are not sure what to give them, place the type of sand you would put in a childs sandbox. This has different sizes and they can get what they need form it. For whatever reason they clean this type of sand also, but give a child a day or two playing in it to get it dirty. Go figure.

 

[spottedtail]

At 14 weeks I'd give them #2 size.

At 20 - 24 weeks give #3 if you can find it, otherwise stick with #2.

Good luck,
spot

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

We never give our chickens grit. We use sand in our pens I would believe that would work just fine and they free-range.

 

[crysmom]

can diatamaceous earth be used in lieu of grit?

 

[SandraChick]

Quote:
NO.

DE is a powder and does not help with the mechanical digestion process. You must have something harder...like pebbles. Free ranging chickens typically find what they need (with very few exeptions)....otherwise provide grit free choice to your birds.

Sandra

 

[crysmom]

Quote:
NO.

DE is a powder and does not help with the mechanical digestion process. You must have something harder...like pebbles. Free ranging chickens typically find what they need (with very few exeptions)....otherwise provide grit free choice to your birds.

Sandra

Thanks