Looking for info on grit and oyster shells

[african chickens]

I was reminded recently after hatching my first baby chicks of something I never addressed. Grit and oyster shells, I learned a few years back after having chickens for a year that it was needed when I added it though they would eat it like food and wasn't sure if this was because I don't have food available 24/7. I took it away and some haven't had any of that since. At this point I have had chickens for several years and they seem pretty healthy besides some hens who don't lay.

The only question I have is if I want to better my flock how should i add this in to their diet.

 

[Snowbelt]

I bought two small feeders that I hang on the side of the coop. One is filled with grit and the other is filled with oyster shell. The girls have access to it whenever they are in the run and can eat as much or as little as they need. I also give them black soldier fly larvae daily as a treat and that provides a large amount of the calcium that they need.

 

[Not-so Slick Chicken]

I personally like using rubber feed pans for various things. 2 gallon works fine, as does 3 gallon (there's a handle version for 3gal).
Those two sizes I use for grit, calcium, feed, and water (doesn't crack in winter! But poor for summer sun)
There are certainly negatives to them, I just like them.

There are certainly birds who don't know how to bird, but typically they know when they need more calcium and grit. If they feel "deficient", they might gobble it all up when they get access. Otherwise, they should just peck at it as they need it.

My pullets went through calcium reeeallll quick. The rock calcium you get at most stores should last longer (our store was out for a while), but flaked oyster shell and crushed eggshells will go fast.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I use this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007RG5NXO?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Here's what I use for my 30 birds. I only have to fill these up about once a year. Lazy? No, efficient! These are gravity-type cat food feeders. You fill them from the top.