To make grit for chickens, crush clean, small stones or use crushed oyster shells, ensuring it’s the right size for their digestion and health.
Grit is essential for chickens to digest their food properly. While commercial grit is available, making your own can save money and ensure quality. This guide covers everything from ingredients to feeding methods.
Why Chickens Need Grit
Chickens lack teeth and rely on grit to grind food in their gizzard. Without it, they can’t properly digest grains and other hard foods. Grit also provides calcium for eggshell formation.
There are two types of grit:
- Digestive grit: Small stones that help grind food
- Calcium grit: Crushed shells that provide nutrients
When to Provide Grit
Chickens need grit as soon as they start eating anything besides commercial chick starter feed. If you’re feeding chickens table scraps or whole grains, grit becomes essential.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Grit
Ingredients for DIY Grit
You can create effective grit with common household items:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Crushed eggshells | Calcium source |
| Crushed oyster shells | Calcium supplement |
| Clean sand | Digestive aid |
| Small granite chips | Grinding material |
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Collect and Clean Eggshells
Save eggshells from your kitchen. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any egg residue. Let them air dry completely.
2. Sterilize the Shells
Bake shells at 275°F (135°C) for 20 minutes to kill bacteria. This step is crucial for preventing salmonella contamination.
3. Crush the Materials
For adult chickens:
- Place dried shells in a cloth bag
- Crush with a rolling pin to 1/8″ pieces
- Mix with equal parts clean sand
For chicks, grind finer (like coarse sand) in a food processor. According to Scratch Made Food, smaller pieces are better for young birds.
Feeding Grit to Your Flock
For Adult Chickens
Offer grit free-choice in a separate container from feed. Chickens will consume it as needed. Replace every 2-3 weeks to ensure freshness.
For Chicks
Start with chick-sized grit at 2-3 weeks old. Sprinkle a small amount (1 tsp per 3 chicks) directly on their feed twice weekly.
Alternative Grit Sources
If you can’t make your own, these natural options work:
- Crushed granite (available at garden centers)
- Oyster shell (sold at feed stores)
- Clean playground sand
Remember that free-ranging chickens often find their own grit. As noted in how chickens know to stay in the yard, they’ll naturally seek out what they need when roaming.
Common Grit Mistakes to Avoid
- Using salt or mineral blocks as grit substitutes
- Providing only calcium grit without digestive grit
- Offering grit that’s too large for young birds
- Forgetting to replace old, contaminated grit
Storing Homemade Grit
Keep your DIY grit in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A mason jar with a tight lid works well. Proper storage prevents moisture and maintains freshness.
Making your own chicken grit is simple, cost-effective, and ensures your flock gets quality nutrition. With proper preparation and storage, homemade grit can be just as effective as commercial products while saving you money.