2 weeks old eating to much sand???

[edmcm2000]

Hi, Got 7 chicks 3 days ago, about 2 weeks old, bought as ameracaunas but probably EEs. Anyhow, today I added an 18 inch by 18 inch cardboard box up against their brooder box, with an access door that I can open or close. It's supposed to be their playpen, and I put about 1 inch of sand in it that I got from the desert wash behind our house. (I also added a little food grade DE to the sand)The chicks love it in there, and it's the only place in the brooder where I can actually reach in and play with them a little bit in the process of getting them tame. My question is: They seem to spend all of their time eating the sand, or at least it sure looks like they're eating it. I know chickens eat some grit type material, but I'm concerned that they might eat to much of it. Opinions? Thanks, Ed

 

[dave_Cash69]

i'm not sure, maybe they know how much they need.
but maybe someone with more knowledge than me will come around and assist you.

good luck!

 

[TXmom]

My chicks(6 wks old) LOVE to eat Parakeet Grit (which is like sand). I put in an upside-down lid with the grit in it, and they go crazy eating it til it's gone. I don't know if they'll eat too much, I'm scared to give them more than a small amount! So I'd like to know other's opinions and experience on this too.

 

[deerhunterblp]

Does this help with their craw?

 

[crazyhen]

It may look like their food to them. maybe sprinkle some food small amt over the sand during play time. They could eat it instead of the sand. Jean

 

[edmcm2000]

Well. I don't think I should let them play in the sandbox anymore, they just constantly eat it for as long as I leave them in there. Maybe I'll put about 2 inches of pine shavings on top of the sand so they'll have to dig down to it. They show no ill effects from eating the sand, but I don't see how that much sand can be good for them. But then, it's cheaper than chick starter. Ed