Looking for info on grit and oyster shells

[BigBlueHen53]

So the chicks I just put on bedding should they get grit? I have heard mixed messages on grit for chicks

They don't really need grit if all they are eating is chick feed. But if there's a chance they may eat the bedding, the grit will help protect them. Or if you want to start giving them treats or take them outside on the lawn, they need it.

 

[african chickens]

Thank you everyone for all the help I really appreciate it

 

[K0k0shka]

Sure, make it sound easy!

Well, it’s not very hard once you have guidelines

One caveat, though (caution): keep the oyster shell dry. I've read reports here that OS kept outside turns to mush in the rain.

Eggshell, too. Won’t turn to mush but the leftover bits of egg will get re-moistened, go bad and STINK. Whatever calcium you use, it should be kept inside the coop. The grit I keep in a small flower pot outside. The pot has a drainage hole so water won’t collect in the pot, making it hard for the chickens to get to the rocks underwater.

 

[AntiqueB]

Remember to have chick (starter) grit for chicks. That type is crushed into smaller pieces. They won't be able to use adult grit. I sprinkle a small amount on their moistened feed every couple days. When they get a bit older, I give them a cup hanging on the hardware cloth. I usually have both grower and layer grit sizes mixed together so everyone can find the perfect size.

 

[Aaron Lynn]

One caveat, though (caution): keep the oyster shell dry. I've read reports here that OS kept outside turns to mush in the rain.

Totally agree.

First of all, separate containers for shell grit and gravel are essential - they need free access to these (many people mix these things into the feed, which is wrong).

Keeping them dry means the container needs to have a rain cover and drainage holes at the bottom.It would be even better if there were a viewing window to monitor stock levels.

For example, this one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFT41ZCH/

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Or you can keep them in the coop.

 

[Triangle Nostril]

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.

View attachment 4247375

Yeah, same here. I got some gravity dog feeders from Chewy that were on super discount clearance sale for like $2 each. Have them set up on opposite sides of their coop. The only annoyance to deal with is they kick bedding into them now and then even though they're elevated. But I usually just scrape off the top layer. They'll eat whatever grit/oyster shells fall on the ground anyway as they scratch and peck through the day.

So the chicks I just put on bedding should they get grit? I have heard mixed messages on grit for chicks

They make grit specially formulated for chicks (that is, they're way smaller so the chicks can eat them). I got a bag of those and didn't even go through the whole thing before my chicks grew up. It won't hurt, but it's not necessary. Even when growing up, I slowly introduced my chicks to some non-starter feeds like mashed potatoes and some leafy greens; so it was definitely more relevant for me to have grit. But as said prior, if you're just feeding them starter feed then they should be fine regardless.

 

[african chickens]

Started giving the chicks grit they have access to a small amount. They got to try pepper today, they were not impressed

Did buy grit and oyster shells for the adult birds and my brother and dad are going to make me a pipe feeder