Won’t eat their grit

[CHlCKEN]

My girls refuse to eat their grit/oyster shells. To this point, I’ve been trying to sprinkle it in their feed, but I’m afraid they just pick through it. I had a plastic bottle with holes in it, hanging from their coop roof. When they peck it the scratch inside would fall out and they could peck it on the ground. I tried filling that up with grit but they wouldn’t touch it. Everything I try they just ignore it. How can I get them to eat it? (They are free-range most days, but they can’t get enough grit with our soil)

 

[nchls school]

My girls refuse to eat their grit/oyster shells. To this point, I’ve been trying to sprinkle it in their feed, but I’m afraid they just pick through it. I had a plastic bottle with holes in it, hanging from their coop roof. When they peck it the scratch inside would fall out and they could peck it on the ground. I tried filling that up with grit but they wouldn’t touch it. Everything I try they just ignore it. How can I get them to eat it? (They are free-range most days, but they can’t get enough grit with our soil)

Apparently they do get enough grit while free ranging. Mine also free range. I quit buying grit years ago.

Actually, I found a bag of grit, in the garage, bought long ago. I mixed it with black soil and used it to start fig cuttings.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just have some available, let them decide if they need it. Maybe try sprinkling some on the ground in spots they like to scratch at and forage through, as it might be more appealing to them to "dig" it up.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Agree with the idea of putting some on the ground to see if they consume it there or not.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I find my flock gets enough just foraging. But I also notice they get really excited about it any time I grab the bag of oyster shell to replenish their supply. They think it's a treat and go nuts eating it like crazy for a few seconds. Then they realize what it is and give me dirty looks. It's hilarious.