Grit & Oystershell

[Snadger]

I only feed a handful of mixed corn on evenings before I leave allotment and they get layers pellets at will.
Because I was feeding corn I needed to give them grit for their crops. I've also had a few softies lately so needed to give them oystershell.

Instead of having seperate containers I now have a large bucket that I fill with a mixture of corn,grit and oystershell.
I broadcast this into the run each evening and they love to scratch for it. Saves having seperate containers that usually get knocked over and they are getting all that they need.

You lot probably already do this anyway.........I just thought I would mention it!

[its hilly]

Talk about something so bloomin' obvious I hadn't even thought of it
Cos mine free range and the bit nearest the barn is a hardcore/rubble/sand..and general cra.... track I dont add grit to their feed, but do have a pot of grit on the yard for them always.
But I do stick baked eggshell and/or oystershell in a pot for the babes, then curse when it gets full of muck and rain. Now I will just mix some with the food
Thanks Snadger

[Flummery]

I don't - but only because I alter the proportions depending on time of year. I buy mixed grit but I add more or less mixed corn - a little in summer but a bit more in winter when they are banged up for 16 hours.

[RichmondHens]

Mine free range within very large enclosures so don't often get added grit. The only thing I will say about oyster shell is that it will dissolve in water so I tend to put mine in a hopper under shelter where the rain can't get in.

[Snadger]

Mine free range within very large enclosures so don't often get added grit. The only thing I will say about oyster shell is that it will dissolve in water so I tend to put mine in a hopper under shelter where the rain can't get in.

How come oysters don't dissolve in the sea then RH?

PS I know what you mean.......really!

[RichmondHens]

How come oysters don't dissolve in the sea then RH?

PS I know what you mean.......really!

Er dunno!! Stupid comment of mine really, sorry. But if I leave oyster shell out in the rain it goes sort of soft and turns the water collecting in it white, as if dissolving.

[jessmorris]

Maybe rain water is more acidic than the sea, and the oysters in the sea are alive and still growing their shells..?....they are made of calcium aren't they? well limestone is very hard but dissolves in water.....(just remembered that from a geog lesson - not sure if relevant!)