Do Chickens Need Grit? The Complete Guide

If you are keeping chickens, you will soon come across the subject of grit. It often raises questions, especially for new keepers. Do chickens really need grit? What kind? How much? And what happens if they do not get it? In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about grit, its role in chicken digestion, and how to provide it correctly.

Why do chickens need grit?

Unlike humans, chickens do not have teeth. Instead, they rely on their gizzard, a muscular part of their digestive system, to grind up their food. For the gizzard to work properly, chickens need grit, which helps break food down into smaller, digestible particles.

In nature, chickens pick up small stones, sand and coarse materials as they forage, naturally supplying themselves with grit. However, backyard chickens often rely on you to provide a suitable supply, especially if they are not free-ranging extensively.

The two types of grit

It is important to understand that when people talk about “chicken grit,” they may actually mean two different things. Both serve important but separate roles.

Insoluble grit

Often simply called ‘grit’ or ‘flint grit’, this is small, hard stone (usually flint or granite). It sits in the gizzard and physically grinds up seeds, grains, and fibrous food. Chickens swallow the grit, which remains in the gizzard until it gradually wears down and passes through the digestive system.

Insoluble grit is essential if your chickens are eating anything other than commercially prepared layers pellets or mash, which are already finely milled. If your birds have access to whole grains, greens, kitchen scraps, or free-range forage, insoluble grit is particularly important.

Soluble grit (oyster shell)

This is sometimes referred to as ‘grit’ as well, but it serves a completely different purpose. Soluble grit, usually made from crushed oyster shell or limestone, provides calcium. It is vital for strong eggshell formation and bone health, particularly in laying hens.

While layers pellets contain added calcium, many hens benefit from extra oyster shell available ad-lib, especially during peak laying seasons or if shell quality starts to decline.

Do all chickens need grit?

Whether your flock needs grit depends largely on their diet and environment.

• Free-ranging flocks: Chickens with access to open ground often pick up natural grit themselves, but it is still sensible to offer grit to ensure they have enough.
• Coop-kept or run-limited flocks: Chickens without much natural ground access absolutely need supplementary grit.
• Pellet-only diets: If chickens are exclusively eating layers pellets or mash, their need for insoluble grit is much lower.
• Chickens eating whole grains or scraps: Grit becomes essential to help them process more fibrous or coarse foods.

In practice, I always recommend offering both insoluble and soluble grit to all flocks. Chickens regulate their own intake and will eat what they need.

When to start feeding grit

• Chicks: Chick starter feeds are finely ground and do not usually require grit unless you introduce treats or foraging. If you offer treats, fine chick grit (smaller grade flint) should be provided from as young as two weeks old.
• Growers and adults: Once chickens move onto growers pellets or mixed diets, provide regular grit access. Adult grit is larger than chick grit and suited to their mature gizzards.

How to provide grit

The simplest way to provide grit is to offer it free choice in a separate container or hopper. Chickens will take what they need and leave the rest.

• Use a covered, weatherproof grit feeder to keep it clean and dry.
• Avoid mixing grit into feed directly. Allowing birds to self-regulate ensures they do not over- or under-consume.
• Replace and refresh grit periodically, especially if it becomes dirty or wet.

Can chickens get too much grit?

It is extremely rare for chickens to eat too much grit when it is offered correctly. They have a natural ability to regulate intake based on their needs. Problems generally arise only if grit is mixed into feed or forced on birds inappropriately.

What happens if chickens do not get enough grit?

Without adequate grit, chickens can struggle to digest certain foods properly. This may lead to:

• Poor feed conversion
• Crop impaction
• Reduced nutrient absorption
• Weight loss
• Droppings containing undigested food

In laying hens, lack of soluble grit (calcium) may also result in:

• Thin, soft, or misshapen eggshells
• Egg binding
• Long-term bone weakness

Where to buy chicken grit

Poultry grit is widely available from:

• Farm supplies and agricultural merchants
• Pet shops and garden centres
• Online suppliers – Amazon sell a good range of flint grit, oyster shell grit and mixed grit.

Always choose grit specifically labelled for poultry. Avoid grit mixes intended for cage birds or parrots, which are often too fine or may contain additives.

In my own experience, using separate containers for flint grit and oyster shell works best. It allows birds to adjust their intake based on their age, diet and laying condition.

Quick summary

• Insoluble grit aids digestion by grinding food in the gizzard.
• Soluble grit (oyster shell) provides calcium for eggshells.
• Free-choice access works best.
• Free-ranging birds may still need grit supplementing.
• Chicks require smaller-sized chick grit when treats are introduced.

Providing grit is a simple but important part of good flock management, ensuring your birds stay healthy, productive and free of digestive issues.

For more infromation about chicken diets, read our post How to Feed Chickens.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.