Why Chickens Need Grit (And How It Improves Their Health & Egg Production)

If you’ve ever watched your chickens peck at the ground and thought, “what are they even eating?” there’s a good chance they’re searching for grit.

Grit might not look like much, but it plays a huge role in your flock’s health, digestion, and even egg production.

My favorite grit, linked here!

And oyster shell here!

What Is Grit for Chickens?

Grit is made up of small, hard particles like crushed stone, granite, or sand. Unlike humans, chickens don’t have teeth: so instead of chewing their food, they rely on grit to do the job for them internally.

When chickens eat grit, it goes into their gizzard (a muscular part of their digestive system), where it helps grind down food.

Why Chickens Need Grit

1. Better Digestion

Grit acts like a natural food processor inside your chicken’s gizzard. It helps break down grains, seeds, kitchen scraps, and even tougher plant material.

Without grit, food can pass through partially undigested, meaning your chickens get fewer nutrients from what they eat.

2. More Nutrient Absorption

When food is properly broken down, chickens can absorb more vitamins and minerals. This directly impacts:

Overall health

Feather quality

Energy levels

3. Supports Egg Production

Healthy digestion = better nutrient absorption = stronger egg production.

Hens that have access to grit are more likely to:

Lay consistently Produce stronger eggs Maintain better overall condition

4. Essential for Chickens on Scraps or Free-Range Diets

If your chickens eat anything beyond commercial feed, like:

Kitchen scraps Garden waste Bugs and forage

…then grit isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Do All Chickens Need Grit?

Not always.

If your chickens only eat commercial layer feed: That feed is already formulated to be easily digestible, so grit is less critical. If they eat anything else (scraps, forage, whole grains): They absolutely need grit available at all times.

Grit vs. Oyster Shell (Important Difference)

These two often get confused, but they serve completely different purposes:

Grit: Helps with digestion Oyster shell: Provides calcium for strong eggshells

Your chickens need both, but for different reasons.

How to Give Chickens Grit

The easiest way is to offer grit in a separate container and let your chickens take what they need.

Chickens are surprisingly good at self-regulating their intake, they’ll eat grit when their body tells them to.

Quick tips:

Keep it dry

Offer free choice (always available)

Refill as needed

Best Grit for Chickens