Oyster shells and grit

[SteveP612]

I just got some RIR hens and when I asked the lady if she gave them grit or oyster shells she said no becasue they were let out in her yard every day. Where I am at I cannot do this so my question is do I feed them both oyster shells and grit. She did say that some of the eggs do have soft shells so that tells me I need the shells correct? Im going to go buy feed later today and dont want to buy something I dont need. Thanks for any info on this.

 

[ghillie]

They should have access to both the grit and oyster shell.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The layer should have enhanced calcium. You can always try to feed them layer only and see what their shells look like in a couple of weeks, then get oyster shell if you need it.

Grit is a little harder because it depends on what is available to them. If they have access to an outside run and you have rocky soil, they probably don't need it. From examining the gizzard when I butcher, it is obvious they get plenty of sand but don't really have much grit that is bigger. I really thought my soil was rockier than that. I just go to a gravel road, gather some pea sized and smaller gravel and throw it in the run. They need grit but you may not have to buy it. Depends on what is available.

Good luck!