Chickens need grit to aid digestion by grinding food in their gizzards, ensuring they efficiently process grains and other hard materials in their diet.
Grit is essential for chickens to digest food properly. Since chickens lack teeth, they rely on small stones in their gizzard to grind up food. Without grit, chickens can suffer from digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. This guide explains everything you need to know about grit for chickens.
What Is Chicken Grit?
Chicken grit consists of small, hard particles like granite or flint that chickens swallow. These stones remain in the gizzard, acting like teeth to break down food. Grit comes in two main types:
- Insoluble grit – Made of granite or flint that doesn’t dissolve
- Soluble grit – Often oyster shell that dissolves while providing calcium
While oyster shell provides calcium, it’s not tough enough to replace insoluble grit for digestion. Chickens need both types for optimal health.
How Grit Helps Chicken Digestion
Chickens have a unique digestive system that relies on grit:
The Digestive Process
- Chickens swallow food whole or in large pieces
- Food enters the crop for storage and initial softening
- It moves to the proventriculus (stomach) for enzyme breakdown
- The gizzard uses grit and strong muscles to grind food
- Nutrients are absorbed in the intestines
Without grit, food can’t be properly broken down in the gizzard. This leads to digestive blockages and poor nutrient absorption. Just like egg eating can indicate nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues from lack of grit can cause health problems.
When Chickens Need Supplemental Grit
Free-range chickens often find enough grit naturally, but these situations require supplementation:
- Chickens confined to coops or runs
- During winter when ground is frozen
- When feeding whole grains or treats
- For chicks eating anything besides starter crumbles
According to Grubbly Farms, chickens fed only commercial pellets may not need grit, but most backyard flocks benefit from access to it.
Types of Grit by Chicken Age
| Age | Grit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 weeks | None needed | Chick starter is soft enough |
| 3 weeks-2 months | Chick grit | Fine particles for small beaks |
| 2-5 months | Grower grit | Slightly larger particles |
| 5+ months | Layer grit | Coarse grit for adults |
How to Offer Grit to Chickens
Follow these best practices for providing grit:
- Offer grit free-choice in a separate container from feed
- Use a covered feeder to keep grit clean and dry
- For layers, mix grit with oyster shell in a 1:1 ratio
- Replace grit every 2-3 months as it wears down
Like proper feeding techniques, grit management is crucial for chicken health.
Signs Your Chickens Need More Grit
Watch for these indicators of grit deficiency:
- Undigested food in droppings
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Crop impaction
- Reduced egg production
According to Backyard Chickens, these symptoms often appear gradually as the gizzard becomes less efficient.
Natural vs. Commercial Grit
Chickens can get grit from:
Natural Sources
- Small pebbles from the ground
- Coarse sand
- Crushed granite
Commercial Grit
- Flint or granite grit from feed stores
- Probiotic-enriched grit
- Size-graded grit for different ages
Commercial grit offers consistency and sometimes added benefits, but natural grit works if available. Ensure any natural grit is clean and free from contaminants.
Special Considerations
For Chicks
Chicks under 3 weeks only need grit if eating anything besides starter crumbles. Use chick-specific grit with very small particles.
For Broody Hens
Broody hens may eat less grit while sitting. Ensure they have access when they leave the nest.
During Molting
Molting chickens may eat more grit to help digest extra protein sources. Like feather loss during molt, this is a natural process.
Common Grit Mistakes
Avoid these errors with chicken grit:
- Using sand instead of proper grit (too fine)
- Providing grit only occasionally
- Mixing grit with feed (chickens can’t regulate intake)
- Using layer grit for chicks (particles too large)
- Assuming free-range chickens don’t need supplemental grit
Proper grit management is as important as other aspects of chicken care and protection.