Leicester_H Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Smokie is in a eglu/run on her own (for her safety - long story) - next to other eglu run - so not lonely. While its cold(ish) we close the eglu door at night (for warmth as she's on her own). Sometimes she isn't let out until around 8am. She runs over to the grit container and seems to eat loads - then she goes to the food. Should I remove the grit for a few days to break the habit or is it safe to simply leave her to eat it if she wants ?? Can the yeat too much grit ? Thanks as always, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 When I got my ex batts Lily ate lots of grit and ended up with an impacted crop and was off colour for a few days. Maybe remove the pot and sprinkle some grit on the ground instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Yes, take it out every now and then - they can sometimes get a bit obsessed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 You could also try a complete food that would only have the right amount of grit. I use Garvo Alphamix and that has some grit in with the pellets etc. but there are other all in one foods available, possibly from Omlet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkichick Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 I'm so glad i read your post! Picked up my 2 new girls today and betwen 3 of them they hav totally demolished a flowerpot (3 1/2 inch high) full of grit !!!! It's all gone! Think i may drop a little on the floor for them to scratch up instead!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 I always leave the grit on the floor, they can scratch about like they would when they free range too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneyolktoanother Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 mine use to munch on the grit quite alot then she impacted crop so i give her a bit of grit everey other day just to be on the safe side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Was going to post something similar. My new two are really hammering the grit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 You could also try a complete food that would only have the right amount of grit. How much is the 'right amount' ? Everyone seems to say that should always have access to grit ?? I have removed container and sprinkled it on the ground. I filled contained with pellets. When she an out, she started pigging out on pellets for a good 5 minutes before she realised! So I think it is habit! I have just bought a whole sack of pellets - so I'd rather mix it myself (this time) - does about 10% grit, 90% layer pellets sound about right ?? H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Do you need grit if your hens always free range? I don't think they do but I'm just checking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 I never used to supply grit, because mine FR (inside 50m electric fence) all day every day but then someone said it was a good idea, so I did. cant say I've really noticed them going for it, unless I chuck a handful out for them - but that;'s coz they think its food!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 You could also try a complete food that would only have the right amount of grit. How much is the 'right amount' ? Everyone seems to say that should always have access to grit ?? H I admit that I don't really know the right proportion, as I just give my chickens their Alphamix which says on the packet that it contains everything, including the right amount of grit. Just to be on the safe side, after reading this, I've started to sprinkle some grit around on the ground too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
