To Much Grit?

1779 Views 22 Replies 8 Participants Last post by RodSD, Mar 18, 2009

maine123

Discussion Starter · Mar 15, 2009

Is it possible for the pigeons to have to much grit?And if it is what would happen, is there any health risks?

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

learning

· #2 · Mar 15, 2009

I don't think it is possible for them to have too much grit. They will know how much they need and as long as it is available for them, they will just take it as they need it. It always amazes me how much grit pumping parents eat. They will literally eat almost as much grit as food. Hey, I guess Mother Nature knows best!

Dan

spirit wings

· #3 · Mar 15, 2009

mine go for the grit/oystershell/mineral picks alot right before laying,and while on the nest. never heard of too much. are you having a problem or is this just a question?

maine123

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 15, 2009

Just a question, and sort of a problem, because everytime I put grit out there the pigeons go crazy and is usually empty really really fast. Infact I think they eat it more than their food. So there is no problem?

spirit wings

· #5 · Mar 15, 2009

maine123 said:
Just a question, and sort of a problem, because everytime I put grit out there the pigeons go crazy and is usually empty really really fast. Infact I think they eat it more than their food. So there is no problem?

no,they need it to lay eggs and feed babies. if you have some pairs they will be laying soon.

maine123

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 15, 2009

I have two pairs, one pair have a 15 day olds and the other pair is sitting on eggs right now.

Thanks for the replies.

Alright, My new knowledege from this is have grit out as much as I have food out, and their are no problems with too much.

If that is wrong PLEASE tell me.

spirit wings

· #7 · Mar 15, 2009

maine123 said:
I have two pairs, one pair have a 15 day olds and the other pair is sitting on eggs right now.

Thanks for the replies.

Alright, My new knowledege from this is have grit out as much as I have food out, and their are no problems with too much.

If that is wrong PLEASE tell me.

no problemos there.....now you know. I love new knowledge...and Im not being sarcastic either.

maine123

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 15, 2009

new knowledge is great!

I learn something new eveeryday on here...well almost everday.

ace in the hole

· #9 · Mar 15, 2009

maine123 said:
Just a question, and sort of a problem, because everytime I put grit out there the pigeons go crazy and is usually empty really really fast. Infact I think they eat it more than their food. So there is no problem?

Grit should always be available to them and should be put in a seperate container from their food. When it is available to them all of the time you will find they will only eat what they need. With grit there should always be some waist! It should be dumped and replaced with fresh grit at leased every second or third day (If not every day).

If they are eating more grit than food they would start getting light.

Ace

LUCKYT

· #10 · Mar 15, 2009

Grit is almost as important as feed, to a point. Ever tried to digest grain with no "teeth'? LOL! some of the old guys that taught me said, no matter how well you feed, it is useless with out good grit.

Dave P.S. Yes there are times when they go for the grit FIRST, and seem to want it more.....

G

· #11 · Mar 16, 2009

when birds have babys they go thru a whole lotta grit so keep it available always they know what they needs

maine123

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 16, 2009

So keep it out at night? usually I take the grit container and the food container in at night.

Thanks for all your help!

LUCKYT

· #13 · Mar 16, 2009

Leave grit in 24/7. Dave

maine123

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 16, 2009

LUCKYT said:
Leave grit in 24/7. Dave

Okay that was clear... Thanks

G

· #15 · Mar 16, 2009 (Edited)

you shouldnt have to take the grit out at night rodents dont eat it so its all good staying in there with them

UncleBuck

· #16 · Mar 16, 2009

I have separate containers for grit and feed. they always have grit in their feeding area. Unlike baby chickens, it is safe to leave grit with the pigeons 24/7. (Baby chicks, if they are not taught correctly will fill up on grit, thinking it is food and actually starve to death, found this out the hard way!)
I use an old rabbit pellet feeder with an extended top so they can not poop in the grit if they try to perch on the top of the grit container.

maine123

Discussion Starter · #17 · Mar 16, 2009

Thanks, Now I know what to do! thanks I actually learned alot from this thread. Thanks

maine123

Discussion Starter · #18 · Mar 16, 2009

I just found this when I was looking around, and in one of brad's pics, he talks about to much grit will cause weird droppings. So this is one thing that could happen.

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f5/poops-what-do-they-really-mean-11637.html

g0ldenb0y55

· #19 · Mar 16, 2009

Leave the grit out 24/7 like everyone has stated. Your birds will consume whatever amount in needed and will stop once they've had their share. It very important when they are feeding youngsters. The grit that the youngsters get from the parents allow them to breakdown the food they take in.

LUCKYT

· #20 · Mar 16, 2009

Sorry, did not even read the whole post, Scott, DROPPINGS are very important indicators of a birds digestive system... There is NO such thing as too much grit/ calcium. Yes a birds droppings change, and it can mean nothing, except you let their grit run out, and they gourge on it, they will get loose, no problem. I will say this, Even Stress can and will change the droppings on a bird. But just because they are loose, do not PANIC, just see what is different. I can tell you this much, the rest has to come from experience, IF i am ready to ship a bird to a race, or too a show, if it was loose BEFORE i put it in the crate,THAT is something too worry about.
The droppings, the eyes, is the vent fouled?, are all things, if you want to know your birds,you had better be paying attention too! JMHO! Dave

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