How to tell if a chicken isn’t getting enough grit?

[Chikenshiken]

For a week now my 1 year old silkie roo has been having crop issues. It’s not sour crop or impacted crop. Sometimes he wakes up with doughy crop or just a crop that’s full of food or a completely empty crop. He seems low but still active just no longer crowing.

I feel like I have tried everything and am now wondering if it is slow crop due to not having enough grit as he has trouble seeing and eating because of his hair (which I do trim, he still struggles). I do not offer grit supplement because everyone is free ranged and I’ve never had this issue. I’ve already ordered grit

But how can I tell if a chicken isn’t getting enough grit?

 

[Evadig]

I’ve heard you’re supposed to just offer grit in a separate dish that’s always available, that way the hens can get it whenever they want. They know how much they need.

 

[Folly's place]

Having grit available in a separate dish is always best. Then birds will eat what they need, all good.
Crop issues happen, not related to grit, really. Those little stones go to their gizzards, and aren't used in their crops.
Mary

 

[Chikenshiken]

Having grit available in a separate dish is always best. Then birds will eat what they need, all good.
Crop issues happen, not related to grit, really. Those little stones go to their gizzards, and aren't used in their crops.
Mary

I heard that slow crop can happen because of backing up of the digestive system. So I was wondering if maybe a slow gizzard from lack of grit would = slow crop

 

[Chikenshiken]

I’ve heard you’re supposed to just offer grit in a separate dish that’s always available, that way the hens can get it whenever they want. They know how much they need.

Thank you I think I realized the importance of grit but thankfully I’ve already ordered some, maybe it will help