Monday, February 3, 2025
One of the popular questions on our FAQ page regards grit. Customers frequently ask about grit and whether it is necessary for ducks. Let’s see if we can clear the air and dispel any myths. Specifically, what is grit and what is its relevance to waterfowl?
WHAT IS GRIT?
Grit refers to small bits of coarse stone or gravel that birds consume to aid with digestion. Grit lodges in the gizzard to enable a bird to grind up whole grains. Wild birds find all the grit they need in their natural environment. If a bird is domesticated and confined, it might need a little help in this department depending on the bird’s feed and living conditions.
CHICKENS AND GRIT
It is customary to feed chickens grit because chickens do not have teeth, and they need a way to grind down any whole grains for digestion in the intestine. Without grit, chickens can become malnourished and sickened from crop and digestive issues such as brittle bones, sour croup, or impaction if they are being fed whole grains.
If your chickens are free-range and have access to dirt, grit is not necessarily needed. For chickens living in enclosed conditions or on strictly clay soils, grit must be provided for them.
Do not confuse grit with oyster shell. Oyster shell is provided to dissolve over time in the bird’s gut and provide necessary nutrients for shell building. Grit is to grind feed.
DUCKS & GEESE AND GRIT
Waterfowl are similar to chickens with their grit needs. If they are fed a mash, crumble or pellet, grit is not needed as the feed mill has ground the feed for them. But if they are fed whole corn, milo, wheat or other whole grains, grit is needed.
HOW TO PROVIDE GRIT
Do not provide grit to day-old birds. First you are providing starter feed that has already been ground and you do not want to give them any kind of non-nutrient they may consume instead of feed. Normally whole grains are not fed until birds are at least four to six weeks old. Do not mix the grit in with their feed. Provide the grit in a separate feeder or bowl so they can eat it at will.
WHAT IS GRIT?
Grit refers to small bits of coarse stone or gravel that birds consume to aid with digestion. Grit lodges in the gizzard to enable a bird to grind up whole grains. Wild birds find all the grit they need in their natural environment. If a bird is domesticated and confined, it might need a little help in this department depending on the bird’s feed and living conditions.
CHICKENS AND GRIT
It is customary to feed chickens grit because chickens do not have teeth, and they need a way to grind down any whole grains for digestion in the intestine. Without grit, chickens can become malnourished and sickened from crop and digestive issues such as brittle bones, sour croup, or impaction if they are being fed whole grains.
If your chickens are free-range and have access to dirt, grit is not necessarily needed. For chickens living in enclosed conditions or on strictly clay soils, grit must be provided for them.
Do not confuse grit with oyster shell. Oyster shell is provided to dissolve over time in the bird’s gut and provide necessary nutrients for shell building. Grit is to grind feed.
DUCKS & GEESE AND GRIT
Waterfowl are similar to chickens with their grit needs. If they are fed a mash, crumble or pellet, grit is not needed as the feed mill has ground the feed for them. But if they are fed whole corn, milo, wheat or other whole grains, grit is needed.
HOW TO PROVIDE GRIT
Do not provide grit to day-old birds. First you are providing starter feed that has already been ground and you do not want to give them any kind of non-nutrient they may consume instead of feed. Normally whole grains are not fed until birds are at least four to six weeks old. Do not mix the grit in with their feed. Provide the grit in a separate feeder or bowl so they can eat it at will.
Comments
Do ducks still need grit if they have daily access to a sandy, gritty stream bottom?
Hb, Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Thank you for your info on "grit"...VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!
Sometimes it gets confusing as we chicken & duck owners want to do the best..i hv 13 chickens/3 pekin ducks who are PETS like our cats & dogs.
My crew free roam 8 to 10 hours a day so my grit questons have been answered!
Sometimes it gets confusing as we chicken & duck owners want to do the best..i hv 13 chickens/3 pekin ducks who are PETS like our cats & dogs.
My crew free roam 8 to 10 hours a day so my grit questons have been answered!
Ann Fotheringhame, Thursday, February 6, 2025