Today while running some errands I stopped at the local pet store and bought some bird grit. I don’t have pet birds, but recently was reminded while reading through Country Wisdom & Know How that birds are vulnerable to digestion problems when they can’t scratch up and ingest grit from the frozen earth.
“Grit is necessary for birds to grind the food they eat and for some mineral value. Offer ground oyster shell, sand or ground eggshell either alone in trays or mixed with seed or recipes." Country Wisdom & Know-How
We had snow yesterday, and while it is pretty and seasonal, it also makes life a bit harder for the backyard birds. When I fill the feeders I will add a bit of the grit to the tray. When the snow melts I’ll sprinkle a small amount beneath the feeders each day where the birds can easily find it.
MINDING MY P'S WITH Q 
Kathy, I provided a link to this informative post over at the CTH as I am certain a number of them must provide seeds for our feathered friends in winter. Thank you for this information. I no longer live in a house – apt. now (no area available to feed the birds) but will keep copy and paste your info. into a word doc. for future reference.
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Thanks so much Janie…I put some out today and saw on the box it includes oyster shell and a bit of charcoal too. I hope it does my birds good.
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You are such a good shepherd for your “wild” flock. And your knowledge of their necessities is amazing. I had fed birds in winter and didn’t know about the grit. I suspect a number of people who feed them aren’t aware of this requirement.
BTW, one year at my home from the past, a pair of pheasants would show up. The female would always eat first while her mate stood guard a few feet away, made my heart melt.
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We don’t see pheasants anymore, they have really declined in our area. My husband saw them all the time when he was young in the small woods and fields near us, but we are really built up now. A small college town, once orchards, that is now expanding at a quick rate into Rowan University. Some really pretty areas have been ruined by the expansion, although it is a good school for students. I guess that is both the upside and downside of progress.
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The edge of my back yard at my former house butted onto a forest preserve (no trees (except waaay far away in the distance) but lots of very high grasses, vegetation. Suspect that is where Mr. and Mrs. pheasant resided. Also, in the area between my home and the forest preserve was a small parallel stream (about 7 or so ft. wide). One day was standing near it and admiring the view and saw a beaver following the stream -exciting for me. I also once followed the stream and came upon a small grassy area with a wooden salt lick rack which was in all probability for the deer- never saw any of them.
Ahhh, progress, sometimes a blessing and a curse. I love wide open expanses of Mother Nature’s lawn/garden and am often disappointed in the end results when I draw upon my memories of what used to be.
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We live in an area similar to what you describe. The open field where my husband and I played as children has had a school for years. Now the excess space has been filled with dozens of solar panels. The view is completely gone now.
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I knew birds needed grit, but I never thought of providing it.
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I had read it in the past, but like so much, promptly forgot about it during warmer weather when they can find their own.
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What care you take of the littlest creatures of God. You are a blessing to everyone who knows you, my friend- two legged, furred and feathered ones as well.
Susie
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Thanks Susie.Today I’ve been grumpy a few times so I appreciate your saying I’m a blessing. It’s been a bit of an off day…you’ve made me feel like keeping on. Thanks my friend.
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Praying for you. Sending you a big hug
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Susie, you are the sweetest friend.
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I never thought that winter would make it hard for birds to find the grit they need. Good information. I love the photo of the bright red berries contrasted against the white snow!
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It was a great snowfall…quick and light and oh so pretty. Thanks for stopping by today.
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