Canadians! Where do you get your grit and oyster shells?

[RumneyRoost]

Last year I moved back to Ontario and this spring we bought a small acreage so I finally have chickens again. My girls have a predator proof run and a 30' x 50' run that they go out in when we're home. I stole a couple shovel fulls of sand and gravel from the driveway, but I'd rather have a consistent source of appropriate sized grit for them. They haven't started laying yet, and will be on a layer feed, however I'd still like to offer them oyster shells.
In my past chicken raising life I was easily able to get everything from my local feed store. This doesn't seem to be the case around here.

I'm jealous of my American neighbours, your TSC seems to carry everything and anything. I can get Manna Pro off of Amazon.ca but the shipping is a little outrageous.

Thanks!

 

[True Patriot]

I've seen posts of people using construction sand in coops and the chickens will eat it as grit. Usually around $4 (US) at home improvement stores. You may be able to substitute as grit. If they free range they will most likely find what they need. I don't have anything on the oyster shell.

 

[Trux]

Will this help??

https://www.canadianpoultrymag.com/buyers-guide/feed-feed-ingredients/oyster-shell/

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I've seen posts of people using construction sand in coops and the chickens will eat it as grit. Usually around $4 (US) at home improvement stores. You may be able to substitute as grit. If they free range they will most likely find what they need. I don't have anything on the oyster shell.

Grit and oyster shell aren't the same thing. Grit is insoluble and aids in digestion. Oyster shell is soluble and provides calcium.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@chickens really where do you get your oyster shell?

 

[True Patriot]

Grit and oyster shell aren't the same thing. Grit is insoluble and aids in digestion. Oyster shell is soluble and provides calcium.

You are absolutely right, the original question was about both grit and shell, in Canada. I was giving a possible substitute for the grit. Construction sand usually consists of crushed rock fines 1/4" and smaller. I don't live in Canada and can't give a supplier for the oyster shell.

 

[Stepnout]

As stated above I go to Home Harware and purchased all purpose sand (not play sand, it’s too fine). In that I put a product from Brookville Manufacturing called Throw and go.
You should be able to go to a rock quarry or gravel pit and purchase 1/4 minus. Just take a feed bag or box/tote. Here is a picture of my throw and go. It is used for traction on ice.
I mix the sand and throw and go with egg shells and Diatomaceous earth in a kitty litter plastic box from the dollar store. Drill small holes in the bottom to let water out.
Edit there is no salt in the throw and go. Don’t buy a winter traction sand product IF they contain SALT!

 

[BYCforlife]

Do you have a Peavey Mart? They sell both grit and oyster shell.


If it's not too far from you, I found a place called Maple Farm Supply. They have oyster shell.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

You are absolutely right, the original question was about both grit and shell, in Canada. I was giving a possible substitute for the grit. Construction sand usually consists of crushed rock fines 1/4" and smaller. I don't live in Canada and can't give a supplier for the oyster shell.

I missed that. Was focused on oyster shell. Sorry.
I only provide grit during the winter as the ground is good here with lots of sandy soil.
You are quite right about sand providing grit.

 

[Stepnout]

The quarry that makes the throw and go makes Dolimite lime which is the same and contains 20% calcium. I only mix way more sand than the throw and go. My birds eat this mixture big time they love it. They are in a moveable run eating grass every day. Free choice on feed. Their stool seems perfect every one looks healthy.