Feeding backyard chickens is an imprecise science. Chickens don’t have teeth, but they still have to masticate what they eat so they can properly digest it. Chicken grit is simply small rocks to be used as a supplement to your flock’s diet. That is why you should feed your chickens the recommended type of feed for the life stage of the animal to ensure each bird is getting the proper amount of nutrition. Remember this when pricing up your feed – although bags of feed containing grit appear cheaper, grit is of course heavier and cheaper than layers feed so it’s not a fair comparison. It is important to know which feed to be using, according to the age of the hen but also what else can and cannot be fed to chickens. If the grit is too small, it won’t help your bird. If your chickens are confined to cages and have no ability to eat anything other than the commercial feed you provide, grit is not necessary. Add it when you feed them anything other than feed. Commercial crumbles and pellets are already ground up finely enough that grit isn't required. It's best to start with what chickens and poultry eat when they're on pasture, or outside, in a field, with grass and weeds to roam on and eat. So many variables are involved: the type of chickens, whether they’re growing or laying, how active they are, how neat you … It is false economy trying to feed chickens on scraps or wheat when there are formulated chicken feeds available that supply everything a laying hen requires to … So when do your chickens need a grit supplement? The answer really depends on what they eat. Chickens pick up grit whilst foraging, which is kept for a while in the gizzard to perform this grinding process. I give mine sand from my yard a day before I start giving treats. Do chickens really need grit? LAYER FEED, 18 weeks Chicks should be transitioned to layer feed at 18 weeks. How to Feed Chickens. How To Feed Chickens So now you know what you should be feeding your chickens the next question is how should you feed them?. Here’s a little more about grit, and why it’s a great idea to add some to your flock’s feed. How to Feed Your Chickens Without Grain – 20 Ways to Cut Your Costs 100% Years ago, as the cost of commercial chicken feed skyrocketed, I found myself in search of a more creative option. Ground shells are available at most feed stores. The grit is a mix of two particle sizes, so it works for smaller birds and standard breeds. Commercial feed is formulated to easily digest. These rocks are rough in texture which is much more effective in grinding food than smooth stones would be. Chick Grit. This grit must be appropriate for the size and age of your bird. Should I feed my chicken’s grit, or can they find it themselves? As chickens grow and develop, their nutritional needs change. Chickens are known for being the trash collectors of the barnyard. Some feeds include a mixture of grit and oyster shell in them for example, The Smallholder Range – Super Mixed Corn or BOCM Layers pellets found in the UK. How To Feed Chickens So now you know what you should be feeding your chickens the next question is how should you feed them?.