No grit?

[chickaboom]

Ok, I was under the impression that chickens that get out and about don't need grit. I thought they picked up little stones and dirt while they pecked around in the yard.
My chicken yard is about 15 by 25 ft. They've been in it for about a month and they just about have it devoid of vegatation.
Do I need to be buying them grit?

 

[windtryst]

I don't know if they need it, but it is cheap, and mine eat quite abit of it. So I would offer it. I use a little bird feeder cup that hangs on the wire.

 

[chickaboom]

hmmm,, good to know. I'll pick some up next time I'm out.

 

[whatsup chickenbutt]

so do they actually eat it like 'mmm this is good,' or do they just pick it up with their food sort of accidentally? I just throw my grit in with their food and assumed they got it while eating the other, I didnt realize they would actually eat it if it were seperate.

 

[foxcrossing26]

We had a load of gravel fines (also called screenings) delivered when the front walkway was put in. I still have a pile on the driveway, and that's what I give my girls in a small bowl in their run. They free-range for about an hour a day, and I give them sunflower, squash, and melon seeds as treats, so I know they need some grit for their digestion. Whether they get it from free-ranging or the grit I offer, I dont know. I do know that I have to refill the bowl from time to time. So something is happening to it!

 

[keljonma]

Quote:
We don't mix the grit with the feed. It is in a separate container, which happens to be next to the container of oyster shell. The birds eat both as they need it.

 

[keljonma]

Quote:
Like already mentioned, if you are not feeding them anything except commercial feed, they do not need grit.

 

[windtryst]

Quote:
We don't mix the grit with the feed. It is in a separate container, which happens to be next to the container of oyster shell. The birds eat both as they need it.

That is what I do, just to be sure...they eat the grit, and just pick at the oyster shell. But it is there for them just in case....