How often do you give chickens grit?

[jimz1]

Do the chickens have to have grit constantly when feeding treats, like grass,and other hard things? I don't want them to get crop bound or anything like that. How long does the grit stay in their gizzard?

 

[Katy]

Quote:
They need to have access to it all the time unless they are free-ranging where they can find their own. I've never had an issue with them over-eating it.

 

[billfields]

I've been sprinkling it in the shavings in the brooder. My 3 wk olds are constantly scratching and pecking in it so I figure they will find the grit as they would outside. If I offer it in a dish they treat it like food and I am afraid they are eating too much.

 

[EmpressNoId]

My Chicks are just shy of two weeks and I have introduced some little bits of lettuce and apple shreds. Should I be giving them grit as well?

 

[FireTigeris]

Quote:
yes

 

[sonally]

I put my grit (gravel and grit from WalMArt) on the tin loaf pans in the brooder. They love it! WHen they are pecking, it sounds like popcorn in the microwave!

 

[Saltysteele]

it's been said, if you need another opinion - available 24/7. they will not overeat it.

 

[johny]

I leave a small tray of grit year round for them to eat.
They eat a lot of garden scrap and dinner leftovers.
I figure they eat it when they need it.

 

[CowgirlPenny]

I would be SUPER careful with the gravel/grit from Walmart if it's the Hartz kind. That stuff is deadly (well, most Hartz stuff is...very poor quality) there are tons of internet posts about people's birds dying from eating their products, as well as dogs dying from their flea medicine, collars, drops,etc.



Anyway.....to the OP. I give mine 24/7. They have a big sand pit and they dust bathe in it, and eat what they want to from it. If they eat anything other than feed, they need access at all times.

 

[Lionbee]

My chicks have a small run and an extended fenced area that they "free-range" during the day. Do I need to give them additional grit if they are pecking at the grass all day long?