What Even Is Grit? (And No, It’s Not Chicken Feed Dust)
If you’re new to backyard chickens, you might’ve heard someone say “make sure they have grit” and thought, “Cool… what’s that?” You’re not alone. I had chickens for a full week before I even looked it up.
Grit is basically small, hard particles — like crushed granite or flint — that your chickens swallow to help them grind up their food in their gizzards. Since chickens don’t have teeth (imagine the horror if they did…), they rely on grit to break food down.
So when someone asks, do chickens need grit? The short answer is: absolutely, yes. It’s not a supplement or a luxury — it’s a straight-up necessity if you’re feeding them anything beyond soft crumble or mash. That includes grains, veggies, bugs, and scraps.
I personally use this grit for my adult hens and keep it in a separate little dish in the coop. They know exactly when they need it — and you’ll notice when they don’t have it, trust me.
Do Chickens Need Grit If They Free Range?
A lot of new flock owners ask this — and I did too at first. If your birds are out scratching around all day, pecking through dirt and finding little rocks, do chickens still need grit added to their setup?
Well… sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Free-ranging hens might find enough natural grit on their own — especially if they’re in gravelly or sandy areas. But if you’re in a grassy yard, clay-heavy soil, or wet conditions, they’re probably not getting what they need. And if they’re confined even part of the day? They definitely aren’t.
That’s why I always say: don’t guess. Offer it.
It’s a cheap, easy fix that can prevent way bigger issues down the road. If you’re not sure whether to offer grit or oyster shell (or both), check out this full comparison: chicken grit vs oyster shell. Trust me, it clears things up.
Do Chicks Need Grit Too? (Yep—But It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All)
If you’re raising baby chicks, you might be wondering: do chickens need grit from the very start? Well, kind of — but not in the same way full-grown hens do.
If you’re feeding only chick starter feed, you’re safe to skip grit in the beginning. Those crumbles are soft enough that the chicks can digest them without help. But the minute you toss in a treat (like a tiny bit of scrambled egg, crushed grains, or mealworms), they’ll need chick-sized grit to digest it safely.
And no, regular grit is not chick-friendly. Their little gizzards can’t handle it. That’s why I always keep this chick grit with probiotics on hand. It’s fine enough for tiny beaks and gives their digestion a head start.
Basically: if your chicks are eating anything other than starter feed, yes — they need grit.
What Happens If Chickens Don’t Get Grit?
Let me paint a not-so-pretty picture: your hen looks fine in the morning, but by evening she’s puffed up in the corner, not eating, and her crop feels like a beanbag.
That’s the start of an impacted or sour crop, and 9 times out of 10, it happens because she ate something she couldn’t grind up — and didn’t have grit available to help.
Without grit, your chicken’s food just… sits there. Ferments. Swells. Causes pressure. And before you know it, you’re on chicken poop watch and crop-massaging duty like it’s a second job.
So again — when someone asks do chickens need grit, the answer is yes, unless you enjoy diagnosing digestive disasters at 7 a.m. in barn boots.
Grit vs Oyster Shell: Why They’re Not the Same Thing
I’ve lost count of how many folks I’ve met who think grit and oyster shell are interchangeable. Heck, I thought the same thing when I first started. But trust me, they serve two completely different purposes.
Grit is all about digestion. It sits in the chicken’s gizzard and helps grind food down — like nature’s food processor.
Oyster shell, on the other hand, is about calcium. It helps your hens lay eggs with strong shells and prevents issues like soft or broken eggs.
So when someone asks do chickens need grit, you bet they do — and they also need oyster shell (especially if they’re laying). But don’t mix them. Chickens will eat what they need if you offer both separately.
If you’re still a little fuzzy on the difference, check out this helpful breakdown: chicken grit vs oyster shell. It cleared it up for me, and it’ll probably do the same for you.
How to Serve Grit (Without Overthinking It)
Good news — giving your flock grit is ridiculously easy. You don’t need to mix it into their feed or hand-measure it by the teaspoon.
I recommend the free-choice method: just pour a little grit into a low bowl, dish, or even a tuna can, and let your chickens help themselves. They’ll eat what they need, when they need it. No need to micromanage.
If you’re like me and want to make it a little cleaner and more permanent, check out this no-fuss feeder I use for both grit and oyster shell. Hang it in the coop, refill when it gets low, and call it a day.
For chicks, I use a tiny lid in their brooder with this chick grit — just enough to keep things tidy without turning it into a sandbox.
What Kind of Grit Is Best for Your Flock?
So you’re convinced now — yes, chickens need grit, but what kind should you actually buy?
Here’s the short version:
- Chick Grit (Insoluble, Fine): Best for chicks under 8 weeks old
👉 This is what I personally use - Adult Grit (Insoluble, Coarse): For hens and roosters over 8 weeks
👉 This is my go-to grit for adult hens
The important thing? Make sure it’s labeled insoluble (like crushed granite). Some products are labeled “grit” but are actually calcium sources (soluble), which won’t help digestion at all.
Yes, Chickens Absolutely Need Grit (Here’s Why You’ll Be Glad You Did)
If you’ve been on the fence asking yourself do chickens need grit, here’s the final word: yes — unless you’re into expensive vet visits, soft eggs, and bloated chickens.
It’s easy to offer, dirt cheap, and totally worth it.
Whether you’ve got newly hatched chicks or full-grown backyard queens ruling the roost, make grit a regular part of their setup. If you’re already wondering how oyster shell fits into all this, I’ve got you covered with this full comparison article.
Give your flock what they need now — so you’re not scrambling for answers later.
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