When is purchased grit necessary?

[bobchristenson]

I've got four 10-week old pullets and I just ran out of their baby-grit. They're housed in a coop at night but are in a 10x10 area outside all day. The outdoor run is dirt (i turn it over occassionally so it doesn't hardpan) with some sand on one end.

What I'm wondering is if I need to supply them with grit since they're out pecking in that dirt all day? I don't feed them a ton of table scraps (they don't seem to be very interested) so they mostly eat feed and whatever they find in the ground.

Do I need to buy more grit and keep them stocked? Or, is what they pick up in the run (and the sand) good enough?

Any advice would be great, thanks!

 

[chicmom]

Hello!

You're thinking is spot on, they'll get their grit from the dirt and sand you've got in your chicken run.

 

[Wisher1000]

Morning Bob! They may be able to find all they need in the soil, but it won't hurt to give them a bowl full to choose if they wish. I have two black feeder cups that I bought at TSC that hang on the wire and I keep grit in both of them. I have to replace it occasionally so someone is using it and mine free range over 23 acres! As for the table scraps, they will like them better when they get a bit older. Try really yummy treats like scrambled eggs or cooked grits (do you eat grits in MI? LOL) Bread and meat scraps are also a hit with mine. I gave my birds the carcuss from the Christmas turkey and they went nuts! It was funny to watch them sneak up and grab a piece and run with several others in hot pursuit. Then they all gathered around and tore it to shreds then picked the bones clean. That struck me as somewhat macabre and a little scary! Don't forget that you will need some crushed oyster for calcium when they get to be 6 or 7 months old! GL!

 

[Izzymoon]

I offer it, if they eat it I am not sure but it's there if they want it

 

[bobchristenson]

Thanks everyone! It sounds like it's not a bad idea to have it, but I shouldn't stress about it if I run out and they don't have it for a week or so. I'll probably pick some up with the feed today and rig up a little fence-dish for it.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Pick up some calcium while your out, I assume you are raising layers for eggs.

 

[Izzymoon]

they're only 10 weeks old, it'll take a while before they need calicum

 

[bobchristenson]

Yeah, I'm going to wait on the calcium....but on a related note I thought of while giving them water this morning. We have Detroit city water here and I've been giving them that. I mentally question the switch to rain water from a barrel instead, but then I realized they add calcium to the city water...seems like a good thing for layers. Anyone ever thought about that?

I may create a new thread to get people's take, but it seems like it could get a little controversial (purists vs. "they're just chickens people"

 

[coolcanoechic]

Yeah, I'm going to wait on the calcium....but on a related note I thought of while giving them water this morning. We have Detroit city water here and I've been giving them that. I mentally question the switch to rain water from a barrel instead, but then I realized they add calcium to the city water...seems like a good thing for layers. Anyone ever thought about that?

I may create a new thread to get people's take, but it seems like it could get a little controversial (purists vs. "they're just chickens people"

That is a very good question. Maybe someone here could give us some insight on the subject.

 

[BoltonChicken]

I have never heard of city water systems adding calcium to water, but many of them have elaborate filter systems to remove excess calcium. If you feed your chickens layer feed, you don't need to add calcium at all.