Chic grit question

[Nicechickens64]

Hi, I was told to start giving my 3 day old baby chics, chic grit. I had chicken grit. But, I saw there was chic grit. So? I went and bought a bag of that. I have 13 beautiful happy healthy chics!!. I gave them chic grit in a small container,the lid of a wide mouth mason jar. They all ate some of it. How much should I give them??. And how much is to much chic grit??. And can to much cause them harm?. I was told they would only eat what they need if it?. I just really appreciate this forum and all the experience here. Thanks for letting me ask my questions!!. I just want to do my best with these beautiful birds!,

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

Grit isnt needed unless feeding other treats which for me is usally around 2 1/2 to 3 weeks. I just add some Chick grit to the feed as my first chickens ate the chick grit instead of the feed.

 

[RoyalChick]

I give them a bowl of it and let them decide how much to eat. Sometimes they dust bathe in it which is very cute!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Because chicks have been known to gorge on grit I offer a tiny pinch on top of their food once every few days. That's plenty to meet their needs. I do not offer free choice grit until they upgrade in grit size (grower grit around 6-8 weeks of age), as by then they should have better control of their desire to put everything in their mouths.

 

[Jnettmcb]

Good afternoon, new chicken mom here, I have 7 chicks that are 11 weeks old and I have them in their own coop and run. I have provided them with grit (not chick size) and oyster shells in 2 separate small containers (guinea pig feeders that are about 4in x 3in x 1.7in pic attached) and they have eaten it almost completely empty in a bout a week. Should I be concerned? Should I refill it or no? The oyster shell is 1/2 eaten. Your assistance is appreciated!

 

[RoyalChick]

Good afternoon, I have 7 chicks that are 11 weeks old and I have them in their own coop and run. I have provided them with grit (not chick size) and oyster shells in 2 separate small containers (guinea pig feeders that are about 4in x 3in x 1.7in pic attached) and they have eaten it almost completely empty in a bout a week. Should I be concerned? Should I refill it or no? The oyster shell is 1/2 eaten. Your assistance is appreciated!View attachment 3811397

That sounds like a lot of grit!
I do know they do not need oyster shell until they are laying eggs, or at least close to that point.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have provided them with grit (not chick size) and oyster shells in 2 separate small containers (guinea pig feeders that are about 4in x 3in x 1.7in pic attached) and they have eaten it almost completely empty in a bout a week. Should I be concerned? Should I refill it or no? The oyster shell is 1/2 eaten. Your assistance is appreciated!

Did they get grit before this? They might be gorging on it out of novelty, so I'd only put out a small amount at a time until they control their behavior.

They don't need oyster shell at all at this time so for now I would not give them any. Once they're close to point of lay I'd put it out then.

 

[Jnettmcb]

That sounds like a lot of grit!
I do know they do not need oyster shell until they are laying eggs, or at least close to that point.

Thank you I removed the grit and the oyster shell. They seem to be doing okay. I will keep an eye on them.

 

[Jnettmcb]

Did they get grit before this? They might be gorging on it out of novelty, so I'd only put out a small amount at a time until they control their behavior.

They don't need oyster shell at all at this time so for now I would not give them any. Once they're close to point of lay I'd put it out then.

Yes, they have had chick grit since about 4 wks old and I just transitioned them to regular grit about a week ago. I have since removed the grit and the shell. I will keep my eye on them but so far nothing unusual to report. Thank you for your advice.