3d • General discussion
🪨 Understanding Grit: Why Chickens Need It & Common Misconceptions
“My chickens have never had grit and they’re fine!” Let’s talk about what grit ACTUALLY is and why it matters for proper digestion.
What IS Grit?
Small, hard, insoluble stones that chickens store in their gizzard to grind food mechanically. Think of it as their “teeth” - because they don’t have any!
Two Types - Don’t Confuse Them!
INSOLUBLE GRIT (True Grit)
🪨Granite, flint, or commercial poultry grit
🪨Stays in gizzard permanently
🪨Grinds whole grains, seeds, fibrous material
🪨Slowly wears down and must be replaced
SOLUBLE GRIT (NOT True Grit!)
🐓Oyster shell, limestone
🐓Dissolves quickly in digestive tract
🐓Provides CALCIUM, doesn’t grind food
🐓Does NOT substitute for insoluble grit!
Do Chickens NEED Grit?
YES if they eat:
🐤Whole grains (scratch, corn, wheat)
🐤Vegetation, grass, weeds
🐤Seeds, bugs with hard shells
🐤Anything fibrous or tough
MAYBE NOT if:
🐥Fed ONLY commercial pellets/crumbles (already processed)
🐥No access to pasture or whole foods
🐥But access doesn’t hurt!
How It Works:
Food enters gizzard → muscular contractions → grit grinds food into paste → nutrients can be absorbed in intestine
Without grit, whole grains pass through partially digested = wasted nutrition!
Free-Range Myth:
“My chickens free-range, so they find their own grit!”
Maybe - depends on your soil!
🪨Rocky areas?Probably fine.
🏝️Sandy/clay soil? They may need supplemental grit.
Best Practice:
Offer free-choice insoluble grit year-round. Chickens self-regulate - they’ll eat what they need!
Your turn:
❓Do you provide grit, or rely on free-ranging? 🪨
❓What’s the most random thing you’ve seen your chickens pick up thinking it was grit? (Legos? Rocks the size of golf balls?) 😂
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🪨 Understanding Grit: Why Chickens Need It & Common Misconceptions
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