grit

[steveo]

I have 7 chickens who are laying daily. I get 5 to 6 eggs a day. I am feeding layer pellets and also provide oyster shell. The chickens go out into their pen when the weather is nice but we still have like 2 to 3 feet of snow on the ground. My question is about grit. I have never provided grit just food and oyster shell and treats. My chickens are about 10 months old and have never had grit. Should I be giving them grit?? My chickens also share their coop with 6 guineas.

 

[herechickchick]

I do not give mine grit. They eat layer pellets, oyster shell and scratch for a treat as well as fresh fruits and veggies occasionally.

 

[chickenannie]

I thought all chickens HAD to have grit or they wouldn't be able to process food in their crop. I wonder if they're finding little stones when you let them range outside, despite the snow? I heard if you don't feed them enough grit, they'll dig through their poop to eat the "old" grit which isn't healthy for them. But what do i know?!