Raising healthy chickens means paying attention to all parts of their care, including what might seem like the smaller details. One of those key details is providing poultry grit. It may not be the most glamorous part of raising chickens, but its role in their digestion and overall health is essential. 

This post will explain how to introduce grit to your flock, and how to ensure these practices keep your chickens thriving.

What Is Poultry Grit 

Poultry grit is a material, usually in the form of small particles that chickens ingest to aid their digestion. There are generally two types of poultry grit to know about:

• Insoluble Grit (like granite): This type stays in the gizzard and helps grind down food, making it easier for chickens to digest what they eat. It’s essential for chickens that don’t forage naturally, as they don’t have access to the small stones they’d typically find in the wild.
• Soluble Grit (like crushed oyster shells): This type dissolves and helps supply calcium, supporting strong eggshells and healthy bones.

Chickens don’t have teeth, so they rely on grit as a natural tool for breaking down their food. Without it, their digestion can become incomplete, which could lead to health problems and nutrient deficiencies.

When Should You Introduce Grit to Chicks?

Introducing grit at the right time ensures your chicks develop healthily. Around the age of 2-3 weeks, it’s safe to give chicks access to chick grit, which is finer than the type for adults. Chickens at this stage still rely heavily on starter feed, but if you’re feeding them anything other than crumble feed, such as treats or scraps, chick grit becomes a necessity.

The best way to introduce grit to chicks is to sprinkle a small amount in their brooder or offer it in a separate dish next to their food. The key is to make it available but not to overdo it. Chicks will naturally peck at it and consume what they need.

How Should You Offer Grit to Adult Birds?

When your birds transition into adulthood, their dietary needs expand, and so does their need for grit. Adult grit is coarser than chick grit and should be made available to your flock daily. The simplest method is to place grit in a small, separate container from their main feed so they can eat it freely as needed.

If your birds are free-ranging, they may find their own natural grit in the environment. Even then, having a dedicated grit source, especially insoluble grit, ensures they’re meeting their needs. 

For hens that are laying regularly, supplementing with calcium-rich soluble grit, like crushed oyster shells, can help produce strong eggshells. This can be offered alongside insoluble grit for a complete solution.

Signs Your Chickens May Not Be Getting Enough Grit

Your flock usually knows how much grit they need to consume, but there are times when their intake might not match their requirements. Here are some signs that your chickens could be grit-deficient:

• Digestive Problems: If chickens can’t properly grind their food, they may develop blockages or appear lethargic due to discomfort.
• Soft or Cracked Eggshells: For laying hens, brittle eggshells may point to insufficient calcium from soluble grit.
• Loss of Appetite or Weight: Without adequate digestion, your chickens may lose interest in food or fail to absorb nutrients properly.

If you notice these signs, re-evaluate how and where you’re offering grit to ensure it’s readily accessible to your flock.…