Grit??

[Jewellan]

Particle size is primary difference. Increasing bird size results in larger grit stone required to stay in blizzard. For perspective some dinosaurs used grit stones the size of softballs.

So mine are 2 months old now, so I can switch to adult Grit?

 

[centrarchid]

So mine are 2 months old now, so I can switch to adult Grit?

By two months I supply grit sized for adults. Grit is offered free-choice and it is likely birds are consuming it with some selectivity based on size.

 

[Jewellan]

By two months I supply grit sized for adults. Grit is offered free-choice and it is likely birds are consuming it with some selectivity based on size.

Thanks. I have a dirt floor that is pretty full of little rocks of all sizes but I worry about them having the proper size for their needs.

 

[JenBoughtHens]

My chickens free range my half acre -
I bought chick grit once but I think I wasted my money because they find whatever they need in the dirt, sand, and gravel. I don't plan on buying more.

 

[centrarchid]

My chickens free range my half acre -
I bought chick grit once but I think I wasted my money because they find whatever they need in the dirt, sand, and gravel. I don't plan on buying more.

Some people in with there locations may still need to supplement grit if native rocks are not available or of the correct type. Most of my exposed rocks in the form of limestone are not suitable as grit. Birds have to poke around in stream to get at chert and flint which means birds must have access to several acres to get all resources they need.

 

[JenBoughtHens]

Some people in with there locations may still need to supplement grit if native rocks are not available or of the correct type. Most of my exposed rocks in the form of limestone are not suitable as grit. Birds have to poke around in stream to get at chert and flint which means birds must have access to several acres to get all resources they need.

Well...hmm.. then I wonder if I SHOULD buy more.

 

[centrarchid]

Well...hmm.. then I wonder if I SHOULD buy more.

Look at what types of rocks are present and whip out your high earth science text for a refresher. If you dress any birds for consumption then chick and see what kinds of grit they are using.

 

[JenBoughtHens]

I googled my county soil.
I'm in a coastal plain in Mississippi.

Lauderdale --Dark gray silt loam surface.  Yellowish brown clay, Stratified Sandy Clays, Shale, Siltstone and Sandstone, containing many coarse fragments.

- I am soooo not a scientist. But I also have a sand pile. And a gravel driveway.
I just hate to throw money away on store bought grit if they dont need it.