Tombull10 Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I'm looking at getting some ex batts soon. I'm new to all this and just want to make sure they are getting everything they need straight away. I'm going to feed them solely on layers mash to begin with and then gradually add in other treats etc. What's this grit i should be giving them? How do you feed it? What's it kept in. Omlet supply a grub and glug but nothing to keep grit in. Is it something I have to buy or can they do without. Any info much apreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoebe Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 see thread below in this section (Chickens) entitled "what do you keep grit in" for ideas on where to put it. I use mixed grit from omlet, but any "poultry stuff" supplier I have seem has some form of grit for sale. They help themselves to it, and I think you should have some available for them to eat, even though layers pellets contains some anyway. That way they can regulate heir own digestion if they need more. Others more experienced than I can tell you more but do look at the other grit thread for ideas and advice best wishes with chicken keeping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I like to simply throw some into the run every couple of days so they can help themselves as they scratch around. I thought about buying a special bowl/feeder for it, but, thought that as they free range 4 out of 7 days they will find what they need out and about but on the days they dont to have it loose in the run means its more chickeny type behaviour to scratch and find it. However, if someone has any thoughts on this please share, at the end of the day I want whats best for my girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I leave a constant supply of grit in a pot which the chickens use despite free ranging all day. The grit remains in the gizzard which is a big muscular pouch just above the intestine. The gizzard grinds the grit together with whatever else is consumed - a bit like our chewing action - making it easier for the chicken to digest food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I leave a pot of grit but also scatter some in the run when I have laid fresh aubiose.. just for them to find themselves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I use one of these which are really cheap to buy, lots of animal feeds stores sell them as do ebay too. http://www.domesticfowltrust.co.uk/products/info_ccwirehooks.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I use one of these which are really cheap to buy, lots of animal feeds stores sell them as do ebay too. http://www.domesticfowltrust.co.uk/products/info_ccwirehooks.html I use the white one for grit, think it was about £1.49 from my local pet shop. I also throw some in the run every now and then for them to scratch about for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
