To grit or not to grit

[RIR-YELLOWLEGS]

Hi all, I'm new to BYC and a new chicken mom. Got 4 two and a half week olds but plan to add two more...I've read conflicting ideas about introducing chick grit but I'd like to add some fun to their chick feed diet so know I need grit. Add a small bowl or sprinkle in feed to start?

Hello welcome to BYC glad you joined the flock.

 

[brad68der1]

Don't chickens get grit from nature? Sorry, I'm new here as well.

 

[mommato3girls]

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

Congrats on your new chicks!

 

[mbetts]

I think it depends on how much time they spend outside where there is dirt, sand, gravel, etc.
I've had chickens for years, and have never purchased grit. They do fine just pecking the ground in the yard and eating what they find. They spend the day in a fenced-in yard, except when there's snow. Even in winter they go out as soon as the sun melts snow on the path I shovel to get to their barn.
However, I am thinking of putting a largish container of dirt in their coop this winter, as I have changed the location of the pop door. It will now be on the shady side of the building, so not as much path melting. I'm not sure they will want to venture out as much.
Does anyone have experience with putting a container of grit in the barn in the winter? Can I just use regular dirt? Or maybe sand?

 

[Tinwife]

My chickens are 8 months old and have never had grit. Their outside pen is all dirt. They go out everyday unless it's below -20 degrees Celsius. Do I need to give them extra grit? Out of 7 chickens we get 5-7 eggs per day. Unfortunately they recently have taken to picking on one chicken so I assume she's the one lacking in production. I think we've solved that issue so just some info. about the grit would be great.