Is it possible to give too much poultry grit?

[DMJ1123]

My flock of six is 8 weeks old. I just started letting them roam supervised outside of the run for some extra foraging. I started them on insoluble poultry grit two days ago. I put out a small bowl with about a cup and a half yesterday and today and they ate it all within an hour both days. I've been reading that they won't eat more than they need and to always offer it. Is that true?

 

[Naser]

No

 

[hispoptart]

No

Could you be a little more specific? If the answer is no, then how much should they have available and how often? I just through out a handful into the run everyday.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Wow, I've always read they'll eat what they need just as the hens do Oyster Shells. Rarely do I have to refill grit but it could be yours are eating alot of grass?
How and where are you feeding their grit? Feed/water?
Is it right next to their feed?
Do you put it out with their feed when you set out their feed?

 

[paneubert]

Could you be a little more specific? If the answer is no, then how much should they have available and how often? I just through out a handful into the run everyday.

Unlimited access to grit at all times. It is just rock....won't go bad. Can get wet.

 

[GC-Raptor]

They can overindulge. I wouldn't give any for a day or 2.
You can mix it into the feed

I mix it in with the Scratch Grains that I toss on the ground as a treat. GC

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sounds like they gorged on it because it was new, since they hadn't had it before. Yes they can overdo it, just as with anything else, so I'd only offer a small amount every few days until they stop eating so much of it.

 

[Molpet]

usually they don't eat a lot of it because they are just replenishing what has been used.

 

[Kiki]

Is that true?

No it isn't always true.
New chicks can over it grit.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Also, make sure to use the right sized grit.
I have watched one of my chickens sorting through the grit in the bowl, to find just the right pieces, lol. She would pick a piece up, turn it around in her beak and put it down, pick up a different one and fell it and put it down. over 20 minutes at the grit bowl...