Oyster Shell Vs. Grit????

[sableboi]

This may sound stupid, but does feeding Oyster Shell reduce the need to offer Grit? It would appear they serve similar functions with Oyster shell giving added clacium? Thoughts?

 

[easttxchick]

The oyster shell is for the added calcium to help your hens in their egg production and grit is for all of your birds to help grind up the food in the crop. They serve 2 different functions and I always have them both available in small bowls in my coop.
Hope this answers your question.

ETA-not a stupid question at all!

 

[sableboi]

I have started putting out two feeders in the paddocks so they get the grit and the shell when they free range...figured no need to muck up their coop with unnecessary feeders...

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Oyster shell can act as grit. Naturally it won't last as long as granite, but it can be made to work. I don't feed grit to my birds at all and there is no naturally occurring gravel on the place. They're getting the job done with the native sand and oyster shell. They eat a lot of whole corn.

 

[cmom]

Quote:
I agree with easttxchick. I think it is personal preference. I give my birds both granite grit and oyster shells, as she said they are two different things for two different purposes.

 

[sableboi]

Thanks for the advice. I have never used either until I got my SQ birds, now anything to give them an "edge" and to keep them as healthy as possible I am looking into.