Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding experience, but many new chicken keepers overlook an essential element—grit. While feeding your flock is a top priority, ensuring they have proper digestion is just as important. Chickens don’t have teeth, so they rely on grit to help break down food in their digestive system. Without it, they may struggle to process food, leading to health issues. Let’s explore why grit is crucial for your chickens and how to provide it properly.
What Is Grit and Why Do Chickens Need It?
Unlike humans, chickens don’t chew their food. Instead, they have a special digestive organ called the gizzard, which grinds food into smaller pieces. This grinding process requires grit—small, hard particles like pebbles or crushed stones.
Chickens naturally pick up small rocks while foraging, but if they don’t have access to these, they’ll need store-bought grit. This helps them digest larger food particles such as insects, greens, and kitchen scraps. However, chickens eating commercial feed like pellets or crumbles don’t necessarily need grit, as these foods are already easy to digest.
Types of Grit for Chickens
Grit comes in different forms, depending on the age and needs of your chickens:
- Insoluble Grit (Digestive Grit)
- Made of small stones like flint or granite.
- Helps grind food in the gizzard.
- Essential for chickens eating whole grains, bugs, or scraps.
- Soluble Grit (Oyster Shells or Limestone)
- Provides calcium for strong eggshells.
- Not a replacement for digestive grit but important for laying hens.
- Natural Grit
- Small pebbles and stones found outdoors.
- Chickens naturally pick these up while foraging.
- Availability may be limited, especially in winter.
For convenience, farm supply stores sell grit formulated with added probiotics to support gut health, making it an excellent choice for chicken keepers.
When Should I Start Grit with Chicks?
In the first few weeks, chicks don’t need grit because they’re only consuming chick crumble, which is easy to digest. Instead, focus on providing a balanced diet with essential nutrients.
- Around 2 weeks old, you can start offering small treats like greens or mealworms.
- At this stage, introduce chick-sized grit, as regular grit is too large for their tiny digestive systems.
- Always ensure their main diet consists of nutrient-rich chick crumble, with treats given in moderation.
By gradually introducing grit, you help develop their digestive system without overwhelming them.
Should I Always Offer Chicken Grit?
Yes! Keeping grit available year-round is crucial, especially in winter when chickens can’t forage for natural grit. Chickens instinctively consume grit when needed, so having a constant supply ensures they can digest their food properly.
Dangers of Not Providing Grit:
Digestive blockages – Food won’t break down properly.
Malnutrition – Nutrients from food won’t be absorbed.
Health issues – Can lead to serious illness or even death.
Providing grit is a simple but essential step in raising a healthy and happy flock.
The Importance of Grit in Raising Healthy Chickens
It’s surprising how something as small as grit can make a big difference in a chicken’s health. By offering the right type of grit and ensuring your flock has continuous access to it, you’re preventing digestive issues and promoting overall well-being. Alongside a nutrient-rich diet, grit plays a key role in helping chickens thrive.
Raising chickens successfully isn’t just about feeding them—it’s about understanding their unique digestive needs. By incorporating grit into their diet, you’re setting them up for a long, healthy, and productive life.
FAQ
What is grit for chickens?
Grit is a collection of small stones or pebbles that chickens eat to help grind food in their gizzard, aiding digestion.
Do all chickens need grit?
Chickens that eat only commercial crumbles or pellets may not need grit. However, those consuming whole grains, insects, or scraps require it for digestion.
When should I start giving grit to my chicks?
Chicks don’t need grit for the first two weeks. Once you introduce treats, provide chick-sized grit to aid digestion.
Can I use oyster shells instead of grit?
No. Oyster shells provide calcium for strong eggshells but don’t help with digestion. Chickens need both grit and calcium sources separately.
Should I provide grit all year round?
Yes! Chickens naturally pick up grit while foraging, but during winter or in confined spaces, offering store-bought grit ensures they get what they need.
