When To Give Chickens Grit

Chickens, like all animals, have specific dietary needs that play a critical role in their overall health and wellbeing. One of these essential dietary components, often overlooked, is grit. In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of grit, its types, and the right times to provide it to your chickens.

Introduction

Raising healthy chickens is more than just feeding them with grains. It’s about understanding the importance of the various dietary components essential for their growth. Here, we introduce the significance of food for baby chicks and explore the world of Grubbly Little Pecks Starter Grower feed.

Food Placement

• Proper Placement in Brooder: Positioning food correctly in the brooder ensures that chicks can access it easily.
• Cleanliness is Crucial: Maintaining cleanliness keeps the chicks healthy.
• Initial Heat Source: Initially, the food should be near the heat source.
• Shifting Needs: As the chicks grow, the food source needs to be moved away from the heat.

Introducing Food to Chicks

1. Preparation: Set the brooder up with feed, water, and heat before introducing the chicks.
2. Guidance: Assist the newly hatched chicks to find and recognize their food.
3. Free-choice feeding: Allow chicks to eat at their own pace and quantity.

As They Grow

• Transition in Diet: As chicks grow, their feeding requirements change. Considerations include the size and height of the feeder and ensuring the feeding arrangements suit their growth stage.
• Switching to Layer Feed: Typically, by 18-20 weeks, chicks should be transitioned to an all-natural layer feed. This transition supports their growing calcium needs, vital for eggshell formation.

The Gradual Switch to Layer Feed

• Transition Process: Instead of a sudden switch, combine starter grower feed with layer feed. This ensures proper digestion.
• Free-choice with Layer Feed: Even with layer feed, allow chickens free-choice feeding.
• Supplementing Diet: Add protein-packed black soldier fly grubs, like Grubblies, to the diet for enhanced nutrition.

Grit: A Must-Have for Chickens

Grit plays an indispensable role in a chicken’s diet. This section touches upon when and why you should feed your chickens grit.

Types of Grit

There are primarily two:

• Insoluble grit (made from substances like flint or granite)
• Oyster shell grit which supplies calcium for laying hens.

Natural vs. Provided Grit

While chickens can naturally find small stones to aid digestion, those without access should be provided with chick grit, especially for chicks under 8 weeks.

Why is Grit Important?

Chickens don’t have teeth. They rely on grit to aid digestion. A deficiency can cause serious health issues ranging from poor nutrition to potential death.

Grit for Varied Diets

If a chicken’s diet includes more than just commercial pellets, they require grit for proper digestion.

When and How to Start Feeding Grit

Once the chicks move from the brooder to the coop and their diet varies, it’s time to introduce grit. Keep it in a separate container, allowing them continuous access. To get them started, you can mix a small amount with their regular feed.

Differentiating Grit and Oyster Shells

To understand the full spectrum of poultry dietary needs, it’s essential to differentiate between grit and oyster shells and grasp their significance in maintaining optimal chicken health.

Grit’s Role in Digestion

Due to their lack of teeth, chickens need grit for breaking down food in their gizzard, aiding nutrient absorption.

Oyster Shells for Calcium Boost

Oyster shells primarily serve as a calcium source, crucial for eggshell strength and bone health.

Self-Regulation by Chickens

Chickens intuitively know the amount of grit or oyster shells they need and self-regulate their intake.

Nutritional Value

Calcium from oyster shells strengthens eggshells, while grit unlocks essential nutrients, ensuring the overall health of the chicken.

FAQs: Feeding Grit to Chickens

Q1: Why do chickens need grit?

• Answer: Chickens lack teeth, so they rely on grit to help them break down their food in the gizzard, which is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Q2: When should I start giving grit to my chickens?

• Answer: Introduce grit to your chickens once their diet expands beyond just commercial pellets or crumbles, typically when they transition from the brooder to the coop.

Q3: Is there a difference between grit and oyster shells?

• Answer: Yes! While both are essential for chickens, grit aids in digestion, and oyster shells primarily supply calcium necessary for eggshell formation and bone strength.

Q4: How do I introduce grit to my chickens?

• Answer: Start by mixing a small amount of grit with their regular feed. Over time, keep it in a separate container so they can access it freely.

Q5: How often should I provide grit to my chickens?

• Answer: Grit should be available continuously. Chickens self-regulate and consume what they need.

Q6: Do all chickens need grit, irrespective of their diet?

• Answer: Chickens fed solely on commercial feed typically don’t need insoluble grit. However, those consuming varied diets like kitchen scraps, grass, or grains will need grit for proper digestion.

Q7: Do roosters also need grit?

• Answer: Yes, roosters need insoluble grit for digestion. However, they don’t require oyster shells as they don’t lay eggs.

Q8: Can chickens find their own grit if they’re free-ranging?

• Answer: Free-ranging chickens often find natural sources of grit like small stones. However, it’s always a good idea to provide supplemental grit, especially if the natural sources aren’t sufficient.

Q9: How is soluble grit different from insoluble grit?

• Answer: Soluble grit, like oyster shells, dissolves in the chicken’s system, providing calcium. In contrast, insoluble grit, like flint or granite, remains undissolved and aids in grinding food in the gizzard.

Q10: Can a lack of grit cause health issues in chickens?

• Answer: Absolutely. A lack of grit can lead to digestive issues, poor nutrient absorption, and in severe cases, even death.

Conclusion

Providing grit to chickens is non-negotiable for their overall health. From aiding digestion to ensuring strong bones and eggshells, grit plays a multifaceted role in poultry care. As a poultry keeper, understanding these nuances ensures your flock remains healthy and productive.