Too much grit?

[galefrances]

I have 12 pullets 10 and 12 wks old. I feed them chick starter feed and give them treats consisting of mostly fresh vegetables, black oiled sunflower seeds, and occassionally oatmeal or yogurt once per day about 5x per week. They have a 10x20 run that is mostly dirt now. It's unlikely that there are very many bugs left. They usually don't eat much grit even though I have it available free choice. I did try putting it in the feed, but stopped because I really didn't know how much to put in and felt they'd know better than me what they needed. But the last two weeks they've gone through nearly 10 lbs. of grit. There hasnt' been any change in their diet. I've always thought they would know how much grit to eat, but it seems to me that this is alot of grit for 12 chickens. Why the sudden increase? Should I be concerned?

 

[Dwkuska]

I would'nt be too concerned if I were you. As you said the chickens know what they need. The grit does eventually pass through their system so its possible they are stocking up so to speak. Also what are you using to dispense the grit? Is it possible the chickens while getting grit are just tossing it into the pen?

 

[Den in Penn]

Nearly a pound per pullet over two weeks is a lot. If they are acting normal I would suspect as Dwksuka said they are spreading it around.

 

[galefrances]

I'm not sure. I did find it on the ground one day, but they ate that. I have it in a bowl that is secured to the wire on the run. It's pretty sturdy. They can stand on it and it holds their weight. Well, thank you for the responses. I think you're both right. They are acting normal. Maybe it's getting on the ground and got washed away. We've had some pretty hard rain this week. I'll keep an eye out.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

You really don't need to give them grit at all if they have access to "dirt"

 

[galefrances]

You really don't need to give them grit at all if they have access to "dirt"

Their run is dirt. But I thought you needed some pepples or stones in the dirt. I don't see any. This area had been used as a garden, then we enclosed it for the run. Of course they've eaten any vegetation that was there. As a matter of fact, I was thinking I probably needed to cover the ground with something once winter is here. But, on the other hand, it would be easier to shovel the snow off of the dirt. Any suggestions on that?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: Sand is the best thing for bare runs, and works well as "grit" too

 

[galefrances]

My husband is building a permanent roof for the run and then attaching tarps on the walls to keep the snow out. So sand will work. Thanks.

 

[milo1108]

I know it is totally off subject, but adding tarps sounds like an amazing idea. I think I am going to do something like that for the winter time just so my babies won't have the breeze running through their run so much. ...So easy to spoil them.

 

[galefrances]

I know it is totally off subject, but adding tarps sounds like an amazing idea. I think I am going to do something like that for the winter time just so my babies won't have the breeze running through their run so much. ...So easy to spoil them.

Yes, and I'm thinking also that if I attach it right, then I can roll it up like a shade and put it down only when the weather requires it.