Updated: February 17, 2023
Chickens have no teeth. But Dthey have a gecko. A gizzard is an organ in the digestive tract of chickens that helps them grind food.
All chicken breeds require daily access to gravel; it is an essential part of their diet and overall health.
There istwo types of gravel:
- Soluble granules- including shell grit or ground oyster shell. Both provide a slow release of calcium, and
- Insoluble gravel- contains small pebbles and pebbles to promote digestion.
What is shell grit?
Shell grits are literally small, whole and split shells. It is 100% real and natural and can be found on the shores of lakes and riverbanks throughout Australia.
The shell grain varies in appearance and texture depending on where it comes from. It can be very fine, uniform and almost white, to coarsely mixed shells.
Most of Australia's shell grain that is perfect for poultry comes from the pristine coasts of South Australia and is a combination of fine and coarse shell grain that is sorted and screened by size.
What size shell grits should I buy for my chickens?
Fine textureShell grit is more suitable for small birds such as quail.
MediumShell grits are perfect for all backyard chicken breeds, including laying hens and chickens – and even ducks!
Grovere-getextureearthShell groats are excellent for geese and muscovy ducks.
The finer the shell grain, the faster and easier it is absorbed. However, we want the chicken to still be able to access and digest the shell grit after retiring to the perch for the evening.
If you are in Australia, you should buy medium sized shell grits for birds.
Medium-sized granules take longer to pass through the upper digestive tract, causing a slower release of calcium 24 hours a day. This means that your chicken will get less from the calcium bone bank when making an eggshell.
Why is shell grit necessary for backyard chickens?
Shell grits for chooks help them digest food and are an excellent source of slow-release calcium, essential for bone health and strong eggshells.
When chickens don't get enough calcium from their diet, they get it from the calcium reserves in their bones.
How much shell grit do I give my chickens?
I am a big supporter of 'free choice feeding'. I don't mix shell grits into my chicken feed. Instead, I give them the opportunity to earn money themselves and choose when they want to supplement.
The easiest way to offer chicken shell grit is to place it in a small 8 oz plastic or ceramic feeder.hooked to the side of the chicken coop or run. Hang it at the same height as the back, so that the shell grain does not get dirty. Replacing or topping up smaller quantities often works best. I replace or refill their shell grits about twice a week.
Backyard chickens like clean and sparkling shell grit.
What is the difference between oyster shells and shell grits for chickens?
Ground oyster shells and shell grit are both componentssoluble granulesand has the same function for poultry. Oyster shell corn in Australia is relatively rare and more common in the US and UK. In Australia, shelled grains are generally more available.
Should I Feed Insoluble or Hard Gravel to My Backyard Chickens?
Free-range chickens will naturally find and peck small rocks, pebbles and large grains of sand. These areinsoluble shell granulefor poultry and aids digestion by helping to grind the food in the gizzard.
I know a lot of people thereomissionoffer their chickens insoluble grit, including some free-range farms.
You might think that offering hulled grains means you don't have to offer hard grains.But when I asked two of Australia's top Old English Game breeders for their opinions on gravel, both were quick to emphasize the importance of insoluble, hard gravel.
Since these two men have each been raising poultry for over 70 years and have strong, disease-resistant flocks, I followed their advice!
Offering hard gravel to your flock is just one of the 2% we can do to improve their health.
Should I feed shell grits to chickens and breeders?
No. Chicks and breeders up to 16 weeks benefit from itinsoluble gravel(coarse sand, rocks and stones, etc.) but no lime-releasing grit such as e.g.
Offering small amounts of whole grains starting on day 10 can also help activate the digestive tract. Chickens' calcium needs increase dramatically when they start laying - they're working hard to provide a shell for that egg!
Should I feed roosters with shell meal?
Roosters still peck at the shell corn, but their demands are much less. I prefer to offer shell grit 'free choice' rather than mixing it with the chicken feed; This allows them to replenish if necessary.
Why don't we just give the chickens calcium supplements?
While calcium-magnesium balance applies to dogs, cats and pets; Calcium and phosphorus are the important elements for the balance in poultry.
Excess calcium in poultry can inhibit phosphorus, which can lead to kidney damage and soft bones and, according to Damerow (1994), predispose them to parasites.
Slow-release calcium is what your chicken wants and needs. Stick to a balanced diet, supplemented with shell grits or oyster shells.
Where to buy shell grit in Australia
The best shell groats you can buy for your chickens can be found at Chicken Coachonline poultry supplies store australiaand is perfect for laying hens and hens.
Do you want your chickens to be as healthy and happy as possible? I offer backyardworkshops kip,online programs,telephone coaching, Inpersonal supportfor families, schools and free-range egg farmers. Visit myOnline Storefor natural, proven poultry supplies in Australia.
Grab my free guide,not!
Elise McNamara, chicken consultant and teacher.
As an expert in poultry farming and chicken care, I can provide information related to the concepts mentioned in the article you provided. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, and I can help answer any questions you may have. Let's dive into the details!
Chickens and Grit
Chickens do not have teeth, but they have a specialized organ called a gizzard in their digestive tract that helps them grind up food. Grit is an essential part of a chicken's diet and overall health. There are two types of grit: soluble grit and insoluble grit.
Soluble grit, such as shell grit or crushed oyster shell, provides a slow-release of calcium. It helps with digestion and is important for bone health and strong eggshells.
Insoluble grit, which includes tiny rocks and pebbles, aids in digestion by assisting the grinding of food in the gizzard.
Shell Grit
Shell grit is made up of tiny whole and broken seashells. It is a natural and real product that can be found on the shores of lakes and coastlines across Australia. The appearance and texture of shell grit can vary depending on its source. It can range from fine and almost white to coarsely mixed shells.
In Australia, most of the shell grit suitable for poultry comes from the shores of South Australia. It is a combination of fine and coarse shell grit, which is graded and sifted by size.
The size of shell grit to buy depends on the type of bird. Fine-textured shell grit is more appropriate for small birds like quails, while medium-grade shell grit is suitable for backyard chicken breeds, including laying hens, pullets, and even ducks. Coarse-textured shell grit is excellent for geese and Muscovy ducks.
Importance of Shell Grit for Chickens
Shell grit is necessary for backyard chickens because it helps them digest food and provides a slow-release of calcium, which is critical for bone health and the production of strong eggshells. When chickens don't get enough calcium from their diet, they draw it from their calcium reserves in their bones.
Feeding Shell Grit to Chickens
It is recommended to offer shell grit to chickens through "free-choice feeding." Instead of mixing shell grit into their feed, you can provide it separately in a small feeder attached to the side of the chicken house or run. Hang the feeder at the same height as the chickens' back to prevent the shell grit from getting dirty. It is best to change or refill smaller amounts of shell grit frequently. For example, replacing or topping up their shell grit around twice a week .
Oyster Shell vs. Shell Grit
Both ground-up oyster shell and shell grit serve the same function as soluble grit for poultry. Oyster shell grit is relatively rare in Australia and more common in the US and the UK. In Australia, shell grit is more accessible.
Insoluble Grit for Chickens
Fowl that free-range will naturally find and peck at tiny rocks, pebbles, and large grains of sand. These are examples of insoluble grit for poultry, which aids digestion by assisting the grinding of food in the gizzard. While some chicken owners do not offer insoluble grit, it is recommended by experienced breeders for its benefits.
Shell Grit for Chicks, Growers, and Roosters
Chicks and growers up to 16 weeks benefit from insoluble grit, such as coarse sand, rocks, and stones, but they do not require calcium-releasing grit like shell grit. Offering small amounts of whole wheat grains from day 10 can also help activate their digestive tract. Calcium requirements dramatically increase for pullets when they start laying eggs. Roosters will still peck at shell grit, but their requirements are lower compared to hens.
Calcium Supplements and Balanced Diet
While calcium supplements are available, it is important to maintain a balanced diet for chickens. Excess calcium in poultry can inhibit phosphorus and lead to issues such as kidney damage, soft bones, and susceptibility to parasites. Slow-release calcium from shell grit or oyster shell is what chickens need. Providing a balanced diet supplemented with shell grit or oyster shell is recommended.
I hope this information helps you understand the importance of shell grit for chickens and how to provide it to them. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
