Mixed grit and oyster shells

[Gopeckgo]

I have been mixing grit and oyster shells in the same container. I thought it was fine and have never had a problem before and thought they could differentiate the 2 and and would be able to know how to take whatever amount they need but now I’m freaked out because I read an article saying that is really bad. Thoughts? They are laying great and I really thought they were doing fine

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think it's better to have them separate for 2 reasons:

1) To ensure birds can easily take only what they need to take.

2) So you can monitor consumption level in case that's ever needed (like I can tell with a glance when birds are ready to start laying again... or when they're all shutting down, by monitoring the level of oyster shell).

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have been mixing grit and oyster shells in the same container. I thought it was fine and have never had a problem before and thought they could differentiate the 2 and and would be able to know how to take whatever amount they need but now I’m freaked out because I read an article saying that is really bad. Thoughts? They are laying great and I really thought they were doing fine

I like to keep grit and os separate, but if what you are doing seems to be working out just fine, I don't really see a need to "fix it".

And yes, I think chickens can differentiate between the 2.

Do you have a link to the article?

Thanks!

 

[Altairsky]

I toss gravel and oyster shell in a container large enough that chickens can dust bathe in there. Never had a problem. They know what they need.

 

[BDutch]

The animal shops in my country often sells bags with a mixed content. The chickens take what they need. If you see 1 ingredient is nearly finished you best trow the rest away and fill up again.
Therefore I favour 2 separate bowls too.

 

[jxp]

I toss gravel and oyster shell in a container large enough that chickens can dust bathe in there. Never had a problem. They know what they need.

Are those Peach's babies or Kiwi's or a mix? I notice the one in the back and the one on the left are doing the fritelle thing. The one in the front middle looks smaller than the rest, is that Diddu? They're all growing so fast and look like a happy family.

 

[Altairsky]

They're peach previous batch. The weathen one in the middle is actually baby Kiwi!