Grouse Grit

What is Grouse Grit?
Grit is essential for grouse and other game birds in order to increase the efficiency of the gizzard to grind and breakdown tough food such as heather and whole grains.

Why use Grouse Grit?
Putting down grit improves the birds digestive capacity and therefore allows improved development and body condition. Additionally, disease caused by parasitic nematodes such as strongyle worms is responsible for reduced grouse numbers. Treating individuals with anthelmintic drugs is near impossible but grouse accustomed to taking artificial piles of grit allows medication via an alternative route. Medicated Grouse Grit is coated with Fenbendazole (Panacur), a broad spectrum wormer which is effective against eggs, larvae, immature and adult stages of the worm. It is also safe to wildlife and is effective in small quantities. There is evidence that giving access to medicated grit reduces worm burdens by up to 45%, with hens rearing significantly more chicks.

Usage guidelines

• Grouse grit is available as regular or medicated.
• It is important that the grouse become accustomed to taking grit prior to introducing the medicated grit.
• Gritting should be initiated in July with transition to medicated grit after the shooting season ends. No further grit should be placed after 31st March.
• A minimum of one tonne medicated grit should be used per 5000 acres.