Can 9 week old chicks have scratch now?

[kuntrychick]

I have 9 week old chicks and I was just wondering if they can have a little scratch now as long as I give them some grit. Also, the grit I have is Manna Pro Poultry Grit and says for at least 8 weeks old...wondering if this is ok as well because some of the pieces seem a little big, but I have no idea.

ETA: The only things I've given them besides their food and water so far is cornbread, yogurt, boiled egg and they absolutely love it. They seem bored with their food.

 

[Ridgerunner]

They can have scratch at that age as long as they have grit. I suggest you don't overdo it as the majority of their food does need to be from the balanced feed ration to optimize growth, development, and health. But they are yours and you can do what you wish.

The grit sizes may look large to you, but the adults can use sized up to pea size, which also looks pretty big. I just get small gravel from my gravel road and let them have at it.

 

[dovecanyon]

My bag of Stall Dry says that it is made from crushed volcanic rock. My 10 wk old chicks seem to eat it instead of the grit I put out. Will the volcanic stuff work the same as regular grit? So far they don't seem to be having any problem digesting whatever I give them.

 

[kuntrychick]

Thanks!

What about BOSS? Can 9 wk old chicks have BOSS?