Miss Marple Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I am collecting Miss Marple and two friends tomorrow, they are ex battery hens. I know that they need mash and other stuff that I have read about to keep them fed and healthy, but I don't know how I get them to eat the grit. Someone has said that she puts a dish of it in their coop so they can help themselves, but I am wondering if you can give it in the food, would this be easier, or would it be dangerous? This may seem a silly question to those of you who know what your doing, but it is something that has been puzzling me. I am a complete novice when it comes to hen keeping so any advice would be very welcome. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Normally in a separate bowl - mixed grit contains stones they use like teeth to break up their food and shell grit which they use for making egg sheel. They do seem to take what they need and can pick out the two different types - clever chickens! Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 A question - can washed sea shells from the beach be crushed up and given? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I put mixed grit in a separate feeder and they take it when they need it. They just seem to know. Clever girls, but natures good that way! Not sure about sea shells, I just buy my mixed grit from the local supplier where I purchase my other animals supplies from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I put it in a separate pot and they help themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted June 20, 2008 Author Share Posted June 20, 2008 Thanks for your help everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yolky Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Would one of these containers be ok to put it in? does anyone have one already? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Chicken-Bird-Grit-Feeder-for-Omlet-EGLU-CUBE-or-similar_W0QQitemZ110261566919QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110261566919&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Would one of these containers be ok to put it in? does anyone have one already? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Chicken-Bird-Grit-Feeder-for-Omlet-EGLU-CUBE-or-similar_W0QQitemZ110261566919QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110261566919&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 Thats fine-anything really will do.I also scatter a handfull inside the run so it gives them something to scratch about for when confined-keeps em' amused for hours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Any container would do, as Stevie says. I use one of these but have made 3 small holes in the bottom so rainwater drains out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yolky Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I shall do scattering too, thanks Steve. ANH where did you get them, they look nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 ANH where did you get them, they look nice I bought one of them from here: http://www.farmrite.co.uk/product.ds2?p=150436&ba=150436&q=1&x=70&y=7 These people sell a set of three: http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/acatalog/Plastic_Galley_Pots__3_.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mayflower Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 As well as putting the oyster shell and chicken grit into separate containers, I sprinkle the stuff in their run amongst their aubiose. because they scratch around all day, it's good for them to be rewarded by discovering goodies hidden in the aubiose. I find it works with our hens. Also it seems natural somehow to scratch and find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...