Chickens need grit when they are consuming whole grains or seeds, as it helps them grind food in their gizzards for proper digestion.
Grit is a critical yet often overlooked part of chicken care. These small stones help chickens digest food since they lack teeth. Understanding when and how to provide grit ensures your flock stays healthy and productive.
What Is Chicken Grit and Why Is It Important?
Chickens swallow food whole. Their gizzard – a muscular stomach – grinds food using grit. Without it, they can’t properly digest treats, greens, or insects.
There are two main types:
- Digestive grit: Small stones that help grind food
- Oyster shell: Provides calcium for eggshells (not true grit)
How Grit Works in a Chicken’s Digestive System
When chickens eat, food travels to their crop for storage. It then moves to the gizzard where grit and strong muscles pulverize the food. This process mimics chewing in mammals.
When to Start Providing Grit
| Age | Grit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 weeks | None needed | Chicks only eat starter feed |
| 2-8 weeks | Chick grit (fine) | When introducing treats |
| 8+ weeks | Regular grit | For mature chickens |
Special Cases Requiring Grit
Chickens always need grit if they:
- Eat anything beyond commercial feed
- Don’t free-range (no access to natural stones)
- Live on concrete runs or hard surfaces
As noted in our guide on feeding chickens without a silo, dietary supplements are crucial for confined birds.
How to Offer Grit to Your Chickens
Free-Choice Method
Keep grit in a separate container at all times. Chickens self-regulate their intake. A small feeder or low dish works well.
Mixed Feeding
Some owners mix grit with feed at a 1:100 ratio. However, free-choice is generally better as chickens know their needs.
Grit Sources
- Commercial poultry grit (best option)
- Clean construction sand (not play sand)
- Small gravel pieces (5mm or smaller)
According to poultry experts, commercial grit often contains beneficial probiotics for gut health.
Signs Your Chickens Need More Grit
Watch for these warning signs:
- Undigested food in droppings
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy or discomfort
- Weight loss despite eating
Common Grit Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming Free-Ranging Provides Enough
While free-range chickens find some grit, they may not get enough. Urban environments often lack suitable stones.
2. Using the Wrong Size
Chicks need finer grit than adults. Large stones can cause blockages in young birds.
3. Confusing Grit with Oyster Shell
As mentioned in our article on watery eggs, oyster shell provides calcium but doesn’t aid digestion.
Seasonal Grit Considerations
Grit needs change with seasons:
- Winter: Essential as ground freezes and natural sources disappear
- Spring: Increased foraging means more grit needed
- Summer/Fall: Maintain constant supply as chickens eat more varied diets
The Backyard Chickens community recommends keeping grit available year-round for optimal health.
Grit for Special Chicken Types
Meat Birds
Cornish Cross and other meat chickens benefit from grit when fed supplements. It helps maximize nutrient absorption.
Bantams
Smaller breeds need proportionally smaller grit. Look for “bantam grit” or use chick grit for adults.
Senior Chickens
Older birds may need finer grit as their digestive efficiency declines. Monitor their condition closely.
DIY Grit Alternatives
If commercial grit isn’t available:
- Collect small, clean gravel (2-5mm size)
- Bake at 250°F for 30 minutes to sterilize
- Offer in a shallow dish
Never use sand from beaches or potentially contaminated areas.
Grit Storage and Maintenance
Store grit in a dry container. Replace if it becomes damp or dirty. A covered feeder prevents waste and contamination.
Check grit levels weekly and refill as needed. A flock of 6 chickens uses about 1 cup per month.