Hens aren't eating grit....

[Chicky Crazy]

I have some hens that are two years old and have been mixing the right amount of grit to feed ratio. They have been eating it for a year or more until these last few weeks when the feeder is empty but the tray below it has lots of leftover grit. Why aren't they eating it?

 

[Den in Penn]

My guess is that they don't need the grit. If they can get out on the ground they can find a lot of the grit they need naturally. With mine out on pasture and a dirt run I put grit out in a separate dish, they never seem to use much. I would suggest to just put it in a dish and let them take what they need. The correct grit to feed ratio is subject to change due to how hard the grit is or what kinds of food they are eating,

 

[RonP]

Grit should be free choice, both soluble (oyster shell) and insoluble (crushed granite).

They will know when they need it.