Author Topic: Free range hens and grit? (Read 2794 times)

Sudanpan · « **on:** April 20, 2010, 07:36:59 pm »

We have 9 hens (4 ex-bat and 5 from a friend who decided they couldn't cope with the hens anymore) that are kept in a run and coop overnight, then get let out to have free range of the field for the day. We feed them layers pellets and then give them a treat of some corn in the evening to get them back in the run. All day they are scratching around in the dirt and finding all sorts of beasties to supplement their diet. I also give them ground up (baked) egg shells every so often.
Should we be giving them grit in addition? Or will they be picking up enough minerals in their free range lifestyle?
Thanks
Tish

doganjo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2010, 08:12:04 pm »

Mine are the same - I just put down some grit occasionally to ensure they have enough. I don't think it's just for making shells. I think it's to help them grind the food in their gizzards as well.

little blue · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2010, 08:13:41 pm »

for our ex-batts, every so often we have to mix grit with their layers pellets, as they're still not sure what to do with it!
I'd probably chuck some down for them, if mine were totally free range....