To grit or not to grit

Date sort Score sort
honey hill farm

honey hill farm

Hatching
Apr 18, 2015
2
0
7
Pittsburgh, PA
Hi all, I'm new to BYC and a new chicken mom. Got 4 two and a half week olds but plan to add two more...I've read conflicting ideas about introducing chick grit but I'd like to add some fun to their chick feed diet so know I need grit. Add a small bowl or sprinkle in feed to start?
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC!
frow.gif


Chicken feed is water soluble. In other words, the gizzard is not required to break it down. So no grit is needed. However if you add foods that are not water soluble such as seeds, grains, veggies, etc...grit will be needed.

What I usually do for chicks and this helps to break up boredom as well is put in a small low box in the brooder and put in chick starter, dried leaves, alfalfa leaves, sand, tiny seeds, etc...This gives them something to do and they can get their grit all at the same time. I don't like to sprinkle the food with grit if they don't need it. I let them decide how much grit they need.



Enjoy your new babies and we do welcome you to our flock!
 
welcome-byc.gif


I always provide my chicks with grit, but I feed fermented whole grain feed. If you feed commercial feed than it's probably not necessary to provide grit, but to be on the safe side I would put out a little cupful just in case.
 
Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

X2 on Two Crows's advice. Grit is necessary when your chicks are eating foods besides their chick feed. Grit helps break up food in the gizzard. Without it, things can get blocked.
 

Similar threads

BeeJayBird
Should pullets prefer chick-grit over adult grit?
Replies
4
Views
883
BeeJayBird
BeeJayBird
missmychicks
Grit in wood chips?
Replies
7
Views
937
Tonyroo
Tonyroo
Awestruck
    • Like
When and How to Feed Grit
Replies
5
Views
2K
K0k0shka
K0k0shka
P
Grit
Replies
2
Views
371
PolloGal
P
Mouthwash
70 day old chickens - when/how do Introduce grit?
Replies
3
Views
849
FunClucks
FunClucks

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom