To grit or not to grit?

[sepaditty1]

I keep my birds in a large run. They get store bought feed, kitchen scraps, and whatever bugs they can catch. All scraps and bugs are eaten off the ground. Do they need grit?

If the answer is yes, give me ideas of what to use besides the $7 a bag stuff at TS. Kitty litter? Fish tank stones?

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I don't use grit in the summer because my chickens get free range time everyday. In the winter I do use it as the snow covers the ground and any natural grit there is. I would spend the $7. Depending on the bag, it will last you a lifetime! A #25 bag has lasted 18 chickens almost two years, and it is barely half gone.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

If your birds have access to the ground, grit isn't needed at all
Grit is for birds that never leave their cages

 

[CedarAcres]

I put it out even though my birds free range. They eat it sometimes. I bought a 25lb bag at tractor supply for $15, and it will last us for a really really long time.

 

[sepaditty1]

Do you just sprinkle it on the ground? Or put it in a feeder?

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I put it in a feeder. (Actually a dog bowl.)

 

[CedarAcres]

I have a small container (like Tupperware) screwed to the side of the run. It's a shallow container about 2 by 3 inches. One for oyster shell and one for grit. I just put a scoop in each in case they want some.

 

[2mnypets]

I have a small container (like Tupperware) screwed to the side of the run. It's a shallow container about 2 by 3 inches. One for oyster shell and one for grit. I just put a scoop in each in case they want some.

I like that idea. I was just adding some to their feed but doing it that way seems much simpler.