Simple Grit Question

[robinaggie]

Well, I thought that there were two SIZES, but three TYPES. The layer grit has added calcium for shell development, but if you use it for younger chicks they can get kidney stones from too much calcium. I'm gonna duck out of this thread and let someone with more experience answer y'all.

 

[Biddieacres]

Quote:
Yes I believe you are correct. I just did a search and found there are 3 different sizes.
http://www.ncgranite.com/gritmailer.pdf
I guess if the grit is too small it will just pass right through the bird, so you have to have the right size.

 

[Barnyard]

Chickaroo! :

barnyard: No; at least I don't think so. Aren't you only suppose to give chickens oyster shell if they are laying hens?? I thought grit was just for aiding in grinding up their food.

Yelp you are right sorry for that..... I read this wrong. They only get oyster shell if they are laying hens.​

 

[Chickaroo!]

Okay, this is offically NOT a simple grit question!!!

 

[Chickaroo!]

No more guess on this? Did I stump everyone??!!

 

[Biddieacres]

I am definately not an expert but personally I would give them the same grit your big chickens get. They are 12 weeks so they are big enough and they are too old for chick grit.

 

[rooster0209]

why buy grit?

All they need is some gravel or loose dirt/sand from the driveway, side of the road or where ever you find it.

 

[robinaggie]

why buy grit?

All they need is some gravel or loose dirt/sand from the driveway, side of the road or where ever you find it.

I think that the three sizes of grit is an attempt to sell a product. Chick and adult, ok, but really any grit you find will have many sizes of stones in it, and the chicks can pick what they need. It seems that most people just use grit from the yard, or let their chickens find their own. I bought grit because my chicks are not free-range yet, and I feed them grass and bugs for fun.​

 

[d.k]

* O.tay-- Here's my take. Birds on commercial feeds -exclusively- aren't supposed to need grit. Birds getting treats, whole grains, scratch, and/or vegetation (grasses, hay, plant parts) DO need grit. There are 2 grades of grit: chick and chicken. Grit is a digestive aid for birds. Oyster shell is not grit and should ONLY be fed to laying hens. It is a calcium supplement fed in addition to grit. Grit only contains about 8% calcium. Oyster shell may have as much as 36%. Clear as mud, yes??

 

[Chickaroo!]

Yup, clear as mud d.k.!!

I'm just going to put some of the crushed granite that I give my big girls out for the little girls as well and see what they do! I know when I've put the chick grit out, they scarf it down.

Thanks to all that participated in this thread. It actually gave me a laugh or two!