Critter Crazy wrote: i dont use any type of grit at all. All my birds free range, and get their own grit from the ground. I have never had any problems. Even with my chicks, they free range as well, and have done just fine.
Our flock forages our two acres and they still come into the barn and peck at the grit occasionally. It depends on your property. 50# of grit from our local feed store costs $6 in June of 2006 and I just purchased the second bag two weeks ago for the same price. It probably would have lasted longer, except the cat scratched at the bag and some poured out. (darn cat!) Grit is inexpensive and I think it is better to provide it so you don't have problems down the road.
Our flock forages our two acres and they still come into the barn and peck at the grit occasionally. It depends on your property. 50# of grit from our local feed store costs $6 in June of 2006 and I just purchased the second bag two weeks ago for the same price. It probably would have lasted longer, except the cat scratched at the bag and some poured out. (darn cat!) Grit is inexpensive and I think it is better to provide it so you don't have problems down the road.