You can buy grit for chickens at local farm supply stores, agricultural co-ops, or online retailers like Amazon and Chewy.
Grit is essential for your chickens’ digestion. It helps break down food in their gizzard since they don’t have teeth. This guide covers where to buy grit, types available, and how to use it properly.
What Is Chicken Grit and Why It’s Important
Chickens swallow food whole. Grit acts like teeth in their gizzard, grinding up tough foods. Without it, they can develop digestive issues like impacted crops.
Types of Chicken Grit
- Insoluble grit: Granite or flint stones that stay in gizzard
- Soluble grit: Oyster shell that dissolves while providing calcium
- Chick grit: Finer particles for baby chickens
Best Places to Buy Chicken Grit
1. Local Farm Supply Stores
Tractor Supply, Rural King, and local feed stores carry poultry grit. Prices range $5-$15 for 25-50 lb bags. Look for grit labeled specifically for chickens.
2. Online Retailers
Amazon offers various grit options with fast shipping. Chewy and poultry specialty sites like Stromberg’s Chickens also sell quality grit.
3. Garden Centers
Some carry granite grit used for pathways that works for chickens. Ensure it’s clean and chemical-free.
How to Choose the Right Grit
| Chicken Age | Grit Type | Particle Size |
|---|---|---|
| Chicks (0-3 weeks) | Chick grit or builder’s sand | 1-2 mm |
| Growers (3-8 weeks) | Grower grit | 2-3 mm |
| Adults (8+ weeks) | Layer grit | 3-5 mm |
How to Offer Grit to Your Flock
Provide grit free-choice in a separate container from feed. Chickens self-regulate intake. Replace when levels get low.
For confined chickens, offer 1 lb of grit per 10 birds weekly. Free-range birds need less since they find natural grit. Learn more about feeding chickens properly in our detailed guide.
Storage Tips
- Keep in dry, rodent-proof container
- Store away from moisture to prevent clumping
- Buy in quantities you’ll use within 6 months
Common Grit Questions Answered
Do Chickens Need Grit If They Free Range?
Free-range chickens often find enough natural grit. But providing supplemental grit ensures they always have access, especially in winter when ground is frozen.
Can You Use Sand as Chicken Grit?
Builder’s sand works for chicks. For adults, it’s too fine to be effective. Always avoid play sand which may contain harmful additives.
How Often Should You Replace Grit?
Insoluble grit wears down over time. Check monthly and replenish as needed. Soluble grit like oyster shell should always be available.
For more chicken care tips, read our article on how often to worm chickens to keep your flock healthy.
DIY Grit Alternatives
If commercial grit isn’t available:
- Clean, crushed granite (1/8″ to 1/4″ pieces)
- Crushed eggshells (calcium source only)
- Clean aquarium gravel (rinse thoroughly)
Never use gravel from roadsides or construction sites which may contain toxins. The Backyard Chickens forum offers great advice on natural grit alternatives.
Signs Your Chickens Need More Grit
- Undigested food in droppings
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen crop that feels hard
- Reduced egg production in layers
Always provide fresh water with grit to aid digestion. Change water daily to prevent contamination.