Question About Grit

[Jiff]

My chickens are 9 weeks old and we have started giving them treats (leftovers, vegetables, scratch) so I went out today to buy some grit for them. The only grit that I could find was a 5 lb. bag of crushed granite grit. I was wondering about the calcium content in the grit, because I know that young chickens aren't supposed to have too much. The grit has a minimum of 11% calcium and a maximum of 13.2%. They are getting started on grower crumbles tonight. Would it be ok to let them have this grit, or do I need to look for some more? Thanks!

 

[mechagrue]

I think you may have the same bag that I do! Chick grit from NutriSource, tan bag.

I had wondered about the calcium content, too. My guess is that they don't actually ingest very much calcium, because the grit stays in their crops (to grind their food). Any calcium would be ingested very slowly, as the grit gradually wears down.

But I'll be watching this thread to see if anyone else has more information!

 

[Glenda L Heywood]

actually the grit goes from the crop to the gizzard and that is where it grinds the whole or cracked grains

it will work as they only eat so much of it and do need it to grind in the gizzard the whole or cracked grains
email me for more info

 

[Judy]

Yes that's they kind of grit they need. Give it free choice.