Keeping birds happy and healthy takes more than just water, food, and shelter. While these are essential, grit plays an often-overlooked role in ensuring your poultry thrives. For birds, grit is critical for helping them digest food properly and maintain strong egg production. 

But, how do you know which grit is best? Here’s a post to help you choose the right poultry grit for boosting productivity and keeping your flock in top shape.  

Types of Poultry Grit

Not all grit is created equal. Broadly, poultry grit can be categorized into two types: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble grit, often made of flint or granite, helps grind down food in the gizzard. It doesn’t dissolve and instead stays in the gizzard for a while until it naturally wears down over time.  

On the other hand, soluble grit, such as crushed oyster shells or limestone, is absorbed into the body. These types are essential for providing calcium, which is critical for strong eggshells. Depending on your flock’s diet and needs, you may choose one type or use a combination of both. 

Layer hens, for example, often benefit from some additional soluble grit to support egg production. 

Select the Correct Grit Size for Your Birds  

While grit type is important, so is choosing the right size. Size isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation when it comes to poultry grit. Chickens of different ages and breeds often require different sizes to ensure they can properly consume and use it.  

For instance, chicks should be given fine grit suitable for their smaller gizzards, while adult birds need coarser grit to process larger food particles. Providing the wrong size can lead to discomfort or even digestive blockages, so it’s essential to consider your flock’s age and growth stage carefully. 

Grit Quality 

Grit doesn’t just vary in type and size; its quality also plays a crucial role in your flock’s health. High-quality grit is free from impurities, contaminants, or sharp particles that might harm your birds. Poor-quality grit can introduce unwanted toxins or pathogens, both of which could lead to health problems.  

If you’re sourcing grit, double-check that it’s thoroughly washed and sterilized. Look for products marketed specifically for poultry to ensure they meet these safety standards. A little extra attention to grit quality can go a long way in safeguarding your birds and keeping them thriving.  

When and How Much to Supplement Grit?  

Knowing when and how to provide grit is just as important as selecting the right type and size. Free-range chickens, for example, might forage for their own natural grit outdoors, such as small stones or pebbles. 

However, if they’re primarily housed indoors or in a confined space, you need to ensure they have a steady supply. Providing grit in a small, separate container works well. This method allows your birds to consume it as needed without overeating or wasting it. Remember, grit isn’t meant to be mixed into their regular feed. 

Instead, allowing them access to it separately encourages natural consumption patterns. Continuously replacing and monitoring the grit supply ensures your flock never runs short of this vital resource.