poultry grit

[posey]

How much poultry grit will I go through in say a week? I have 8 nine week old pullets and 6 guinea keets that are 1 month old.
They get free choice feed all day but are out in the run to peck around all day. They seem to be going through it quickly.
Input?

PS I love that licorice/anise smell

 

[faykokoWV]

I would guess it varies depending on the feed/diet of the birds. I think they normally self regulate on grit and I can't imagine that they are eating more than they should. That does seem to be a lot faster than what mine eat the grit, but maybe my soil is a little more "rocky" and mine get theirs while they are ranging.

Can you quantify what you think is "alot"

 

[posey]

Quote:
Yes, I forgot about the amount of grit in the soil. Where I live the soil is very fine - almost like powder, not much grit.

I just weighed the grit bag and they have eaten 2 pounds in the past 5 days. Oh my gosh that seems like a lot. I can see a very light sprinkling on the ground around the grit dish, so they aren't wasting much at all. It won't spoil either so eventually they will get it up too.

Now, I just remembered that there is a small hole in the bag and the store gave me a discount for that. But the bag seemed pretty full. Shucks, didn't think to weigh the bag before I started to give it to them.

Oh well, next time I buy, I will weigh the bag and then weigh it again a week later. That will be more acurite.

 

[faykokoWV]

2 lbs for 8 chickens does seem like alot, but I'm not really an expert on grit

I honestly don't think they eat it unless they need it.
When you mention the licorice/anise smell, is your grit scented?

Is it started grit or regular poultry grit?

 

[posey]

Yes the scented type.