Question about Grit?

[blake101]

When a chicken eats grit how long does it stay in there stomach, or do they pass it every time they poop.

 

[Elite Silkies]

I'm not really sure how long it stays. Would like to know though.

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

I want to know this answer myself I guess we will have to just wait around and see.

 

[BirdsoftheHill]

Sorry, I ahve no answer to the question, but thought I would ask another.... When do they need grit? Mine are five weeks and eating crumbles and lots of worms that they find and the kids bring them. Do they need grit for the worms?

 

[blake101]

Bump, does anyone know the answer?

 

[Imp]

OK I'll give it a shot.

My understanding is that the grit stays in the gizzard, until it is worn down itself too small to be useful, then it is passed along and out. Chickens need a constant supply as it is pooped out with each poop, but is is more like dust or sand by that point. If chickens free range with access to small stones, sand etc they will get enough themselves. If they don't get it themselves then it needs to be supplied. And chicks should get grit as soon as they start eating anything besides starter.

Imp

 

[Motherof4]

well I'm not really the one to answer but last year I lost one of my first babes and was told to mix grit into all feed for the first three months. it is grit that helps them digest there food.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Once the grit gets ground down to a certain small size, it passes through the system. How small it has to get to pass through depends on the size of the chicken.

Do they need grit for worms? I don't know. I know it does not hurt them to have grit. It might hurt them not to have it. What else are your kids feeding them?

 

[zade11]

Neato i'm glad i read this