sand floor in my coop...can this be their "grit/oystershell"?

[mandapanda3186]

It would be convenient! Otherwise I bought oystershell...its so big! Or at least it seems like it...how do ya'll make it for chicks? Hammer/rock is taking FOREVER! Advice please

 

[WalkerH]

I'm pretty sure oyster shell is for the calcium for laying hens. Grit is to grind food up. We do just use sand for grit.

 

[Noymira]

Quote:
Yup, oyster shell (or egg shell) is for added calcium for layers, you do not want to feed that to chicks, they cannot handle too much calcium.

The sand should work fine for grit though, and dust bathing! We have some play sand left over from my daughter's sandbox, so I'll put a dish of this in for the chicks to bathe in and get their grit from.

 

[ninabeast]

I've been using sand in the brooder and it's all my chicks need for grit. My understanding is that adult chickens need larger grit than just sand though, even up to small pebbles, so I guess it would depend on what kind of sand you were using. Play sand, probably too small. Contractor sand, okay. Someone who knows more than me want to weigh in?

And, yes, oyster shells have a completely different purpose.

 

[dsqard]

Oyster shell is used for additional calcuim for laying chickens. Please do not feed it to your youngsters as grit. From what I have read on here too much calcium before they are laying can damage their kidneys. The sand in the coop floor is just fine as grit. Nothing else needed. When your pullets start laying, you can put the oyster shell out in a different container and just let them eat it whole. They will only take what they need.

 

[Carrie Lynn]

Yes, oyster shell is for layers, to provide calcium.
Grit is for their gizzards, to break down foods. Chicks on crumbles don't need grit until they start eating other foods too. Not sure which foods chicks eat that require grit other than grains...others will know.

 

[Noymira]

Quote:
When I was looking at grit for layers and chicks it was mainly the size that was different, full grown birds can handle much larger grit. I think some of the grit for layers I saw also had added calcium, but I don't know if that is standard for all brands.

Ninabeast- How do you like sand in your brooder? I've heard little about it being used for chicks, but I was also curious. It seems like it would hold some radiant heat well.

 

[mandapanda3186]

Thanks for the input! I'm glad I asked..I thought I read somewhere that grit/oystershell was pretty much the same thing but now I know better!

p.s. I did not feed them any...I will throw their treats out and just let then go for it