What is the best type of grit for chickens? Chicken grit might seem like a small thing, but it plays a big role in keeping your chickens healthy. Grit is basically tiny stones or sand that chickens eat to help them digest their food.
Since chickens don’t have teeth, the grit moves into their digestive tract, where it helps grind up food, making it easier to digest. There are different types of grit, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how well your chickens process their food and stay healthy.
Why do chickens need grit?
Chickens need grit because it helps them break down their food. Since chickens don’t have teeth, they rely on something else to do the job. That’s where chicken grit comes in. Grit is made up of small stones that chickens eat, and these stones are stored in a special part of their stomach called the gizzard.
When a chicken eats, the food goes into the gizzard, where it mixes with the grit. Then, as the gizzard contracts, the grit grinds up the food, making it easier for the chicken to digest.
If your chickens are free range, they can naturally find grit on their own by picking up small stones from the ground. But for chickens that don’t roam around as much, it’s important to provide them with grit to keep their digestive system working properly.
Complications from a lack of grit
If chickens don’t have enough grit, they can run into some serious problems. Without grit, the grinding process in the gizzard doesn’t work as well, which means the food isn’t broken down properly.
This leads to poor digestion and poor feed conversion, meaning the chickens aren’t getting all the nutrients they need from their food. As a result, they can end up with poor nutrition, which can even cause a decrease in egg production.
While modern chicken feeds are designed to be easier to digest, having grit still helps laying hens stay healthier by supporting their digestion process. So, even with good feed, it’s important to make sure your chickens have access to grit.
Types of Grit
There are two main types of chicken grit: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble grit is made up of small rocks like quartz, granite, or even sand. This type of grit stays in the chicken’s gizzard and helps grind up food, aiding in the digestion process.
Since it doesn’t dissolve, it can be used over and over again, making it super important for chickens that don’t have access to small stones naturally.
On the other hand, soluble grit is a good source of calcium. It’s often made from minerals like oyster shells, which dissolve in the chicken’s digestive system. Oyster shell grit not only helps with digestion but also provides the extra calcium hens need to produce strong eggshells.
So, while insoluble grit is crucial for grinding food, soluble grit like oyster shells is key for keeping those eggs strong and healthy.
Insoluble Grit
When it comes to types of poultry grit, there are a few options to choose from, but not all of them are equal. Quartz, granite, and flint are common types of insoluble grit. Quartz and granite are popular choices because they are hard and durable, making them great for helping chickens grind up their food. These little rocks stay intact in the gizzard and do their job well.
However, Flint grit isn’t the best option. Flint can splinter into sharp pieces, which can injure the bird’s digestive tract. So, while you might see flint grit available, it’s safer to stick with quartz or granite for your chickens.
When should chickens start getting grit?
Chickens need the correct size grit depending on their age. For baby chicks up to 20 weeks of age, chick grit is the best option because it’s made up of smaller stones that young birds can handle.
As chickens get older, they should switch to layer grit, which has bigger stones suitable for adult birds. It’s always a good idea to offer grit-free choice, meaning the chickens can eat it whenever they need it, rather than mixing it with their chicken feed.
This way, they can pick out their own grit as needed. Whether for young birds or adult birds, providing the right size grit and giving them free access helps keep their digestion on track.
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Best types of grit for chickens
The best type of grit for your flock depends on how they’re raised. If your chickens are free-range, they might not need any grit at all since they can find natural quartzite and other small stones on their own to help with digestion.
However, for chickens that don’t have access to the outdoors or enough natural grit, oyster shell grit and granite grit are the best options.
Oyster shell grit is great because it provides a lot of calcium, helping your hens produce strong eggshells.
Granite grit is perfect for aiding the bird’s digestive system, as it helps grind up food. It’s important to always offer grit free choice, so your birds can pick what they need when they need it.
Even if you’re feeding a high-quality feed with a balanced diet, having grit available ensures your chickens’ digestion and egg production stay in top shape, no matter the size of your birds.
Chicken Grit FAQs
How much grit should I give my chickens?
You should offer grit free choice, meaning it should be available at all times, so your chickens can take as much as they need. There’s no specific amount to give them—just make sure it’s always there.
Can I use sand as grit?
Yes, sand can work as grit, but it’s not the best option. Sand tends to be finer and can pass through the gizzard too quickly, so it doesn’t grind food as effectively as other types of grit.
How do I know if my chickens need more grit?
If you notice your chickens are eating less, have poor digestion, or are laying eggs with weak shells, they might need more grit. Check their behavior and egg quality to see if it’s time to add more.
Can chicks use adult grit?
No, baby chicks need finer grit (chick grit) because they can’t handle larger stones. As they grow and their digestive systems develop, you can switch to adult grit.
Do chickens need grit if they eat pellet feed?
Even if your chickens eat pellet feed, which is easier to digest, having grit available is still a good idea. It helps them grind up their food and can improve digestion and overall health.
My favorite grit
Final thoughts on the best chicken grit
Choosing the best chicken grit is key to keeping your flock healthy and happy. For good feed efficiency and digestion, it’s important to offer the right-sized grit, whether it’s chick grit for young birds or layer grit for adults.
Oyster shell supplements are great for providing extra calcium, and helping hens lay strong eggshells. Remember, grit helps the chicken gizzard grind up food properly, so it should always be available for free choice.
While grit is essential, be cautious with too much calcium. It can lead to kidney damage. By providing the right type and amount of supplemental grit, you’ll support your chickens’ overall health and well-being.
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More from the farm
Have you ever wondered if, are chickens herbivores? When you think of chickens, you might picture them pecking at the ground for seeds and plants, like little feathered gardeners. But did you know that chickens are actually omnivores?
This means they eat both plants and animals. While they do love grains and veggies, they also enjoy munching on bugs, worms, and even small rodents. Chickens have a diverse diet that helps keep them healthy and happy, making them great at cleaning up all sorts of scraps in your yard.
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