Grit

[2020birthday]

Do I need to give my chickens grit if they are free ranging ?

 

[Bantumbarnyard]

do not think so, if they have access to small tiny pieces of rock, but you can have it in a pan for the chickens for free access if you are worried about it.

 

[Willow2253]

If there are places in their range that they can find small rocks then you don’t have to worry about it. For example, my free rangers get all the grit they need from my gravel driveway. If you’re not sure, though, I would offer them some.

 

[user581227]

If there are places in their range that they can find small rocks then you don’t have to worry about it. For example, my free rangers get all the grit they need from my gravel driveway. If you’re not sure, though, I would offer them some.

Would you recommend adding oyster shell to their feed or have it in a separate container for them to take as they need?

 

[pibb]

In a separate container is prefered near the feed. If the oyster shell is in the feed they might eat feed and calcium both instead of being free choice.

 

[amk122284]

Kind of hijacking, my chickens have a very large run where they have access to dirt and some grittish type stuff. Is it ok if I just toss a handful of grit into that area every other day or so to help supplement vs having an actual dish out. They tip stuff over if it isnt heavy enough or poop in it

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Kind of hijacking, my chickens have a very large run where they have access to dirt and some grittish type stuff. Is it ok if I just toss a handful of grit into that area every other day or so to help supplement vs having an actual dish out. They tip stuff over if it isnt heavy enough or poop in it

They shouldn't need it.

Do I need to give my chickens grit if they are free ranging ?

Mine free range and I've never, in the 2.5 years of chicken keeping, given them grit.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Would you recommend adding oyster shell to their feed or have it in a separate container for them to take as they need?

That's a no-no. The feed is formulated for what they need. Adding a single mineral to the feed throws off the nutritional balance and that would require them to overconsume calcium of they want to eat.

Kind of hijacking, my chickens have a very large run where they have access to dirt and some grittish type stuff. Is it ok if I just toss a handful of grit into that area every other day or so to help supplement vs having an actual dish out. They tip stuff over if it isnt heavy enough or poop in it

I often do that with some flocks. I just put a pile of grit right outside their chicken door. I see them picking at it all the time.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Is it ok if I just toss a handful of grit into that area every other day or so to help supplement vs having an actual dish out.

Yes you can, I actually mix Poultry Grit in the Scratch Grains I toss on the ground inside their pen, at a ratio of 1 to 40 by weight.

They tip stuff over if it isnt heavy enough

I attach a pail to a corner with an eye screw for both Oyster Shells and Poultry Grit. I drilled several 3/32" holes in the bottom to drain moisture.

GC

 

[amk122284]

Yes you can, I actually mix Poultry Grit in the Scratch Grains I toss on the ground inside their pen, at a ratio of 1 to 40 by weight.

I attach a pail to a corner with an eye screw for both Oyster Shells and Poultry Grit. I drilled several 3/32" holes in the bottom to drain moisture. View attachment 2282124
GC

Oooo like a kennel feeder! I hadn't even thought of something like that!!! Great idea!