Can we talk about Chick Grit?

[808momof4]

I live in a pretty suburban area. The pet stores here just cater to dogs, cats, and some birds. I can't find any chick grit near me. I live in Hawaii, so shipping is an issue for most things from Amazon. Is there anything else I can use? Beach sand? LOL

 

[sean_wonder]

Actually, kind of. If your birds are able to go outside, they'll be able to peck at the ground-- having lived in Hawaii myself, I remember sand gets pretty much everywhere, so while they're looking for bugs or checking out the grass they might get a little sand. Not a significant amount though... if you can't find chick grit just feed them chick mash so they won't need grit (as much) to digest it. The whole point of grit is to "chew" the food in a way, so if the food already is in incredibly fine, almost powdery pieces, it shouldn't cause problems. However I am speaking solely from book knowledge and insights-- I have not yet owned chickens myself.

 

[aart]

I can't find any chick grit near me.

Can you find 'regular' chicken grit?

http://www.jupefeeds-sa.com/documents/GraniteGrit.pdf.

I bought about a 2 gallon bag of granite grit from the local mill, they put it in their chicken scratch. Ran it thru a colander with 1/16" holes. Bagged the smaller stuff for the chicks and sprinkle some over a chunk of sod in the brooder during the second week.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

Are there any places near you with a more coarse sand?
You could use that as chick grit

 

[808momof4]

Are there any places near you with a more coarse sand?
You could use that as chick grit

Yes, Hawaii beach sand is not like the sand in Florida. It's very coarse. Should I wash it? It'll be pretty salty if I just take some from the beach.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

I would wash it, it might work but If it doesn’t do what aart said

 

[808momof4]

I found this at the store. The chicks are going CRAZY. Is it possible for them to eat too much? Should I take away the dish I put it in and just leave whatever has spilled for them?

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

could you post a picture of the grit itself
depending on the grit size it might not be going to their crops, but right thru them

 

[aart]

Should I wash it? It'll be pretty salty if I just take some from the beach.

Definitely wash it. Salt not good for chickens.

I found this at the store.

That has calcium in it, not good for chicks. Pic of ingredients, please?

 

[Melky]

If you can’t find chick grit would just purchase online. Sand is not an equivalent to chick grit and offers no benefit. It just passes through and does not aid digestion. Need chic grit under 8 weeks and poultry grit over 8 weeks. You are bound to find sites that will should ip to Hawaii if look around enough. Check local hatchery, feed mills, and feed stores for chick grit.