Can baby chicks digest mealworms without grit?

[Seatrout00]

Just as its listed. I have my babies on medicated chick starter by Purina, but as I hand tame them, I have been giving them mealworms out of my hand. (I raise my own)

Then the thought occurred to me .. what if their little tummies can't digest the mealworms without grit!? I haven't thought to get them any grit at this stage - they are less than a week old.

Help! I don't want to hurt my little uns.

 

[Clearly]

I give my chicks dried mealworms that I crush up into a dust in the palm of my hand, but I wait until they're 2 weeks old. By this point, I offer chick grit in their food just to be safe.

Did you give them full mealworms? If so, you may want to make a run to your feed store and get some chick grit in the morning. Less than a week is too early for me, personally. Others may have differing views, of course.

If you want to give them a treat that I know is safe early, plain yogurt is hilarious! I let them peck it off my finger, and you won't need any grit for this treat. They are so funny with it; you'll see what I mean when you try it!

 

[Seatrout00]

Thank you so much Clearly! I fed them live mealworms. I will get some chick grit tomorrow! Yikes!

 

[Jensownzoo]

Yeah, they're going to need the grit to crush up the exoskeletons. Probably time to either pay the farm store a visit, or if you have a lawn without chemicals, you can always give them a clump of grass with dirt clod attached.

 

[Clearly]

Well, don't stay up all night panicking. It's done, and you have a bit of time. First thing in the morning though get some chick grit. It's tiny. Sprinkle some in their food, (or some yogurt, I'm telling you, I swear by it!) and they should get it down in time.

Be glad you were on it right away! I'm sure they'll be fine, please let me know though! I like updates on these things!

 

[Seatrout00]

Thank you both! I have gone out and purchased parakeet grit - its basically sand - (though I could have used a clump of grass, we have enough sand in our soil down here) and sprinkled it on their food - going to give them some yogurt today too, just to see what the hilarity is all about.

I am so thankful for this website, you all are such wonders! I am also glad I thought of it! Thank heavens!