grit and oyster shell etc ???

**Hans Mum** · 19-01-2009, 10:25 PM

i got grit from the feed place, dont know about oyster shell or what it's used for

**lynda66** · 19-01-2009, 10:29 PM

the oyster shell is a good source of calcium, which helps with egg shell production

**Hans Mum** · 19-01-2009, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by lynda66 View Post

the oyster shell is a good source of calcium, which helps with egg shell production

thanks linda better get them some then

**Suechooks** · 19-01-2009, 10:38 PM

I buy a bag of mixed poultry grit which contains all the stuff they need. Have to say the ex-batts rarely touch it but the other girls dig in regularly.
Smallholder Mixed Corn also contains oyster shell and I think most layers pellets have a proportion of grit and shell in them too. Most free range hens get all the digestive grit they need just scratting round in the soil even if they're in a run as long as there's some soil. As well to have it there just in case!!

**lynda66** · 19-01-2009, 10:48 PM

mine do eat soil, but they do get a few seeds, sunflower and sesame, but they only go out for an hour or 2 when it's warm yet, and they do like chucking the grit everywhere

just want to start stocking up on stuff now for when they need it, so it's not quite such a shock to the purse strings lol ..... the budgie grit is about 59p a kilo from wilkies, so i just got that so far.

**frias** · 19-01-2009, 10:48 PM

I've got a sack or mixed grit and oyster shell I bought when I first got the girls. There's 2 bowls in the run and my ex-batts never touch any of it.

They do free range however so probably pick up small stones and I mix ground eggshell and limestone flour into porridge for stronger eggshells.

**lynda66** · 19-01-2009, 11:44 PM

i sprinkle grit over their mash when i put seeds in it, to make sure they get some

**Bephlam** · 20-01-2009, 12:15 AM

I buy my oyster shell from my food supplier...and mixed corn...and food, of course.

**lynda66** · 20-01-2009, 12:21 AM

best ask em for some then

...... so is it bigger than budgie grit??

**kirsty b** · 20-01-2009, 12:29 AM

I buy grit from my feed supplier, oyster shell and small flint mixed. Its about 5mm in size mostly. I sprinkle it on to their grub. They are so greedy I reckon they scoff it before they realise its not pellets!!

**lynda66** · 20-01-2009, 01:09 AM

cheers, well they still little yet lol, but next time i'll get proper chicken stuff

budgie grit is only about 2mm ........ i'll ask em about it next time i go

**Two_Sheds** · 20-01-2009, 08:31 AM

Originally posted by frias View Post

I've got a sack or mixed grit and oyster shell I bought when I first got the girls. There's 2 bowls in the run and my ex-batts never touch any of it..

Confession time: I've kept parroty things for 22 years now, and they've never had any grit. I tried it once, they never ate any, so I never bothered again.

edit: I've just had a Google around, and because parrots/budgies etc hull their seeds before eating, they don't need grit to grind their food up in their crops. Pigeons and chickens eat their food whole (husks too) and therefore need some grit to grind up the husks and stuff. They will get enough by foraging free-range, and only need extras if they can't pick up soil & stones themselves, ie if they are caged indoors.

that makes sense

**Two_Sheds** · 20-01-2009, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by frias View Post

They do free range however so probably pick up small stones and I mix ground eggshell and limestone flour into porridge for stronger eggshells.

I think you're OK with that.

" If your hens free-range then it's likely that they already get enough grit in their diet, though if they are contained you should provide some grit (it's often sold in pet shops as grit for pet birds or pigeons).

Hens also need calcium in their diet - to form the shells on their eggs. If they're calcium deficient you will get soft eggs, rubbery eggs or even eggs with no shell. You should provide oyster grit in their pen or put some in a small food bowl. This will help them lay hard-shelled eggs and is an essential part of their diet.

Some all in one feeds such as certain layers-pellets will already contain a supplement of oyster grit, so it's worth checking."
Hencam.co.uk - tips - Tips, info and help on keeping chickens as pets, feed, housing, etc. Everything hen related you ever wanted to know!

**vicky** · 20-01-2009, 09:01 AM

I give grit and oyster shell in a small bowl and the absolutely tear through it! If the oyster shell runs out I notice a difference in the egg shells (thinner) within just a few days!

Announcement

grit and oyster shell etc ???

grit and oyster shell etc ???

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Latest Topics

Recent Blog Posts