Grit

[fratmor]

I've been using play ground sand for grit is that to fine and if so who sells grit.

 

[Pinky]

Sounds like it would be too small to be grit but I have never tried that. I use grit from tractor supply company. I'm sure feed stores sell it too.

 

[newchicksnducks]

Using playground sand is fine when using for your 1 week old chicks. As they get older, they need access to bigger grit. Go to your local feed store and they should offer grit in medium and/or large size for your adult birds. This will be about the size of aquarium gravel.

 

[msdoolittle]

I personally do not offer grit. I find that it is one of those unnecessary things. If you've ever seen/felt the inside of a bird's gizzard, that lining feels like sharkskin...it's amazingly tough stuff. Of course, once the chickens are out of doors, they will pick up their own grit in the form of sand and small stones. The only thing along those lines that I occasionally offer the chickens is oystershell pieces a couple of times a month or so, but that's for my layers. :0)

 

[fratmor]

thanks I didn't realize they needed such large grit , thats why they are always digging large holes.do they pass the large grit or does it stay in the gizzard?

 

[Pinky]

Chickens dig large holes when they take dust baths too. I never really thought about how grit comes out or if it stays in the gizzard.

 

[hinkjc]

Grit eventually breaks down and they need to get more to continue to grind their food appropriately. During winter here, we have to offer grit as our ground is frozen solid and the birds would not have access to it otherwise. In the summer, they should get enough during free range to gather their own.

 

[cabincrazyone]

Quote:
Have any of your chickens asked you for some Pepto Bismal?

 

[Cargo]

 

[msdoolittle]

Nope, not yet!

I just have not found it necessary to add it when raising baby chicks because I feed them a pelleted starter only until they are old enough to go out of doors.

But, I also have had parrots/exotic birds most of my life and have never offered it. They eat a seed/pellet diet as well as leafy greens/fruits and they are healthy and thriving.

Sorry, I guess I'm missing the Pepto Bismol thing!