How to provide grit?

[Ted Brown]

Winter has started, ground is frozen and covered in snow. My covered run area (underneath coop) is a base of gravel/sand and covered with mulch, leaves and straw to a depth of ~18". My flock has two groups - seven 26 week old pullets and eight 6 week old chicks; the older ones tend to spend their day in the run area, the others tend to stay in the coop.

I want to ensure that sufficient grit is available, propose to put clean construction sand in a plastic container strapped to an inside. I have crushed oyster shell in a container strapped to a wall, could mix sand in with that?

What is the best way to provide any needed grit for the flock?

 

[nchls school]

When I offer grit I use a feeder that does not allow the birds to scratch or dust bath in it.

 

[aart]

I want to ensure that sufficient grit is available, propose to put clean construction sand in a plastic container strapped to an inside. I have crushed oyster shell in a container strapped to a wall, could mix sand in with that?

What is the best way to provide any needed grit for the flock?

Sand is not large enough to act as digestive grit.
http://www.jupefeeds-sa.com/documents/GraniteGrit.pdf.

I bought about a 2 gallon bag of granite grit from the local mill, they put it in their chicken scratch. Ran it thru a colander with 1/16" holes. Bagged the smaller stuff for the chicks and sprinkle some over a chunk of sod in the brooder during the second week. Toss some of the larger stuff out with the scratch once a month or so.

 

[Matilda Belle]

I keep feed, grit and calcium in PVC feeders.

 

[Ted Brown]

I keep feed, grit and calcium in PVC feeders.

Thanks.

What do you use for grit? I have a separate container with crushed oyster shell always available, one of my suppliers says this will suffice as grit.

 

[aart]

I have a separate container with crushed oyster shell always available, one of my suppliers says this will suffice as grit

It will...kinda...it breaks down fast(much softer than granite)
plus you don't want non-layers eating that much calcium.

 

[Ted Brown]

It will...kinda...it breaks down fast(much softer than granite)
plus you don't want non-layers eating that much calcium.

I will ask about granite grit at my suppliers.

Will they take what they need if I provide it in a separate container from the oyster shell or shall I mix with their feed?

 

[Matilda Belle]

This is the grit I use. I keep feed, grit and oyster shell in separate containers. They will take some when they need it.

 

[Ted Brown]

This is the grit I use. I keep feed, grit and oyster shell in separate containers. They will take some when they need it.

Funny I was searching and found that brand. I am up in Canada and they do not seem to have a supplier here, will reach out and ask them. Also looking for granite grit.

Thank you.

 

[jreardon1918]

I have a little rabbit feeder in the run. Currently it has a mix if oyster shell and grit. I will refill it soon and do a better job of separating the two.