Why Grit Still Matters, Even with Pellets
In the age of balanced pellets, pre-crushed grains, and complete feeds, it’s easy to assume grit is a thing of the past. Something for wild birds, not backyard hens.
But chickens don’t chew. And that one simple fact still makes grit essential no matter how modern your feed is.
What exactly is grit?
Grit is finely crushed rock — usually granite or limestone — that hens store in their gizzard. It acts like a set of internal teeth, grinding whole seeds, fibre, and feed particles so they can be digested properly.
There are two main types:
- Insoluble grit (like granite): helps break down hard feed material;
- Soluble grit (like shell grit): provides calcium and aids digestion.
Both play different but important roles. One keeps the gizzard strong. The other helps build hard egg shells.
Why it still matters — even with pellets
Pellets are soft and uniform. They digest more easily than scratch or wholegrain. But many backyard flocks eat more than just pellets.
- Garden greens
- Forager blends
- Scraps and enrichment feeds
- Bugs and soil from the yard.
Without grit, your birds’ gizzard works overtime — and that can lead to inefficient digestion, impaction, or even behavioural changes.
Grit is what allows a chicken to make the most of a varied diet.
And in organic systems, where chemical digestives aren’t allowed, it’s even more important.
Do I need to buy it? Where from?
Here’s where we keep it simple: Aus Organic Feeds doesn’t sell grit. We believe in it. We recommend it. But we don’t include it in our blends for good reason:
- Grit is better offered free choice, not mixed in
- Birds will self-regulate based on diet, age, and environment
- Different climates and coop setups affect intake.
Your local produce store or pet retailer will usually stock poultry shell grit or granite grit.
Place it in a shallow dish or bowl beside feed and water. The hens will take what they need.
The rhythm of a healthy gizzard
Think of grit as part of the whole system — not just a box to tick.
- Good feed gives the right nutrients
- Scratch and forage keep behaviour active
- Grit allows it all to be processed, absorbed, and turned into energy, eggs, and health.
It’s not glamorous, and it’s not a sales item. But it’s a quiet essential that helps your flock thrive.
Feed with intent. Trust nature’s tools. And don’t forget the toothless truth: a chicken still needs grit.
