I'm new to the coop & could use some advise.

[sw33tp3a]

We have a chicken tractor for 4 hens that we move around in the back yard. Is it a problem that my hens are on grass? Now I'm worried about them not getting enough sand/grit naturally. How often should I add grit/oyster shells? Should I add a box of sand (I live in FL, we don't have dirt) for them to take a bath in? This sure is complicated for something that seemed so simple

and a cure for my empty nest issue since our dog died.


Thanks for any help you can give me.
Sw33tp3a

 

[marianne7]

YoWe have a chicken tractor for 4 hens that we move around in the back yard. Is it a problem that my hens are on grass? Now I'm worried about them not getting enough sand/grit naturally. How often should I add grit/oyster shells? Should I add a box of sand (I live in FL, we don't have dirt) for them to take a bath in? This sure is complicated for something that seemed so simple

and a cure for my empty nest issue since our dog died.


Thanks for any help you can give me.
Sw33tp3a

You can put a small trough with grit in it out on the grass, but what I usually do is mix grit in with their layers mash and layers pellets, then you know they are getting all the grit they need.....when you have eaten your eggs, save the shells, dry them out in a microwave or oven, crush them up small and use these for grit to mix in with their food too ...

 

[marianne7]

You can put a small trough with grit in it out on the grass, but what I usually do is mix grit in with their layers mash and layers pellets, then you know they are getting all the grit they need.....when you have eaten your eggs, save the shells, dry them out in a microwave or oven, crush them up small and use these for grit to mix in with their food too ...

for the sand bath, what you suggested is great, get a small tub and fill with sand, this is ideal....

 

[sw33tp3a]

Thanks Marianne, your reply has led to even more questions. What ratio of grit and or oyster shells do I add to the feed? I've been crushing up the eggshells to put on my plants for a while now, guess I'll start splitting them w/the hens. I've been told if I do the eggshell thing there is no need for oyster shells, is that true?

 

[marianne7]

Thanks Marianne, your reply has led to even more questions. What ratio of grit and or oyster shells do I add to the feed? I've been crushing up the eggshells to put on my plants for a while now, guess I'll start splitting them w/the hens. I've been told if I do the eggshell thing there is no need for oyster shells, is that true?

No, you need to add oyster or other grit to their diet, egg shell will not be enough...I used two scoops of food and one scoop of grit and really mix it all together, just make sure there is enough grit visible, but chickens know they need grit in their diet, so they will fing it themselves....ok

 

[Den in Penn]

They really don't take in much grit. Grit(stones) is reused to grind the food in the gizzard until it is to small to be of use and is then passed with the rest of the waste. Moving the tractor over spots where they can get to the ground should allow them to find the grit they need. If you want put a side dish of grit in with them. Layer feed is formulated with enough calcium for the hens. The problem is with backyard flocks is they get other foods. Egg shells and oyster shell are a good calcium supplement. Again a side dish so they can take what they need. Finally Oyster shells are to soft and dissolve to easily to be of much use as a grinding stone in the gizzard.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thanks Marianne, your reply has led to even more questions. What ratio of grit and or oyster shells do I add to the feed? I've been crushing up the eggshells to put on my plants for a while now, guess I'll start splitting them w/the hens. I've been told if I do the eggshell thing there is no need for oyster shells, is that true?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/686717/should-i-put-oyster-shell-and-grit-in-my-hens-food
see my post #10 if you would - haven't read thru all the responses but hope this helps

 

[marianne7]

Thanks Marianne, your reply has led to even more questions. What ratio of grit and or oyster shells do I add to the feed? I've been crushing up the eggshells to put on my plants for a while now, guess I'll start splitting them w/the hens. I've been told if I do the eggshell thing there is no need for oyster shells, is that true?

Im guessin from all the replies, you may be a bit confused what to do....the problem is if you ask a lot of people, they will all give you their advice....which is fine. however it probably doesnt help you but those of us who have all had chickens for years now, just want to help you with what worked for or us, so perhaps all of the advice is ok.... I have always put grit in with their food, and we have never had any problems...but you now have to make the decision what you want to do, but i'm sure what ever you do will be fine, done stress about detail....The chickens themselves know what is good for them, they are clever little things...hope it all goes well for you. Marianne

 

[sw33tp3a]

I certainly appreciate all the wonderful advise I've received and have taken it all into consideration to help me make my decision. I've decided to put a combined dish of grit & oyster shell off to the side. Thanks, ya'll!