Where do you offer Grit/Oyster shell?

[StarryEyzz]

First of all...once your hens are on oyster shell.....do you still need to offer grit?

and where do you prefer to offer it. Inside the run or inside the coop?

Does it matter if it gets wet? (I think not).

THANKS

 

[Yay Chicks!]

If you birds do not free range in an area with plenty of gravel-ish sharp stones, then yes, you do still need to offer grit.

 

[Den in Penn]

Grit and oyster shells do not serve the same purpose. Grit needs to be hard enough to stand up to the grinding in the gizzard. Oyster shells are to soft to last long. Oyster shells are for a calcium supplement. Both can stand to be wet. Water does not effectiveness. I have dishes in the coop for them.

 

[hurricanerb]

I actually mix the grit into their food. They seem to eat more of it this way. When I lay a separate dish, they'll peck at it, but they know it's not real food and so they tend to dismiss it quickly.

 

[Den in Penn]

I actually mix the grit into their food. They seem to eat more of it this way. When I lay a separate dish, they'll peck at it, but they know it's not real food and so they tend to dismiss it quickly.

You know they only need so much. And that a little lasts along time.

 

[HouseCat]

I have quite a few roosters so I feed oyster shell in a separate container next to their feeder along with grit. The grit and oyster shell that's left over, about half, I throw around their yard. Grit is h2o proof and o-shell will last 2-3 months before the Michigan rains dissolve it away. I've never thought much of hiding grit/o-shell in their food, if they need it, they'll find it and they'll eat it.

 

[StarryEyzz]

THANKS everyone for your input.

I will offer grit. They have a large, natural run and do free range but its mostly grass. I'm sure there is gravel in there but better safe than sorry.

I'll offer oyster in the coop.

 

[HEChicken]

I actually mix the grit into their food. They seem to eat more of it this way. When I lay a separate dish, they'll peck at it, but they know it's not real food and so they tend to dismiss it quickly.

It is probably better to offer it separately and let them decide when they need it and when they don't. Its not like a nutritional supplement where they need to get it and you have to trick them into eating it. When they need it, they WILL take it. There are times when they may not need grit because they already have enough in their crop, and making them eat more at that point could cause problems.