grit

[pamonarch]

Do my 20 week old chickens need me to supply grit if they are out in two large runs all day and then out to free range in our yard for about 2 hours in the evenings? Their runs are dirt and grass and rocks, (large and small) bottoms. I'm guessing they can find small enough grit there?

 

[rjohns39]

Do my 20 week old chickens need me to supply grit if they are out in two large runs all day and then out to free range in our yard for about 2 hours in the evenings? Their runs are dirt and grass and rocks, (large and small) bottoms. I'm guessing they can find small enough grit there?

I would suggest still providing them grit free choice. Here's a reference article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/reviews/gran-i-grit-insoluable-crushed-granite.11634/ Somewhere around here is a size chart by age, but I'm having difficulty locating it.

 

[lazy gardener]

If the bits and pieces found in your soil are sharp grit, can't easily be crushed with a hammer, you are fine. If you can crush those stones with a hammer, they are most likely sedimentary, and not likely to hold up to the rigors of a chicken gizzard.

 

[aart]

I provide some granite grit to my birds regularly,
starting when they get their first food other than starter crumble.

Good info on grit:
http://www.jupefeeds-sa.com/documents/GraniteGrit.pdf

 

[chickens really]

I never provide grit in summer months when free ranging..I do in winter in a separate bowl...