My 9 week old chicks are scarffing grit

[whitehousechix]

I put my 9 week old chicks out about 2 weeks ago, and they have just discovered the big girls grit, they are scarffing it down like crazy, should I take it away from them, so they get it in moderation, or just let them have at it?? there is maybe like 1 1/3 cup of grit there, between 11 chicks, they wouldn't confuse it for food would they??

 

[aoxa]

I doubt it. If they are eating it, they most likely need it. Chickens are smarter than we all think.

 

[BrattishTaz]

I've always had to introduce grit slowly. The little pigs seem to think it is the best treat ever at first.

I worry about impacted crops, especially with larger grit.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have found personally that for the first two weeks of life I do have to just sprinkle grit over the food otherwise they overindulge.

But for 9 week olds, I wouldn't worry personally. The first four weeks of life, they need size #1 (chick grit), then 4-7 weeks size #2, and over 7 weeks size #3 (adult grit). For the actual measurements you can go to the cherrystone grit website and see pics...this is the brand my feed store sells and this is the info. on the chart on the bag.