Chick grit and treats

[JJ Ly]

Hello! I have chicks who are about a week old (I'm pretty sure...bought them at a feed store on Friday). I've read a lot of different opinions about giving them egg at this point and many saying it's ok. I have one who's a little smaller than the rest so though it wouldn't hurt to give her a nutritous treat. I scrambled up a plain egg and mashed it really good and they LOVED it. I only gave each of them a little bit...maybe 1/8 teaspoon each in small doses over a days period. Then I read they need chick grit and got nervous about giving them the egg without the grit so I put some in a mason jar lid and put that in their brooder. They went crazy for the grit so I took it out and sprinkled a little around their shavings. Can you tell I'm a nervous first time chicken mama? Any opinions, advice and hopefully reassurance is appreciated!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You don't need grit for eggs or crumble. Be careful as sometimes chicks can over consume grit, so it's best to limit it initially. You can sprinkle some on their food. I personally have never used chick grit, and I feed scrambled eggs daily to my young poultry as it helps them grow and feathers out quicker.

 

[IloveChickens3000]

grit is not important to give. Even when they get older they don't need it. You can also get some meal worms for your chicks they really love that. Oatmeal is also very good.

 

[JJ Ly]

Thank you! I'm glad I removed the grit container when I did. I'm also happy to hear about the eggs because they love it. I hand feed it to them so they are really getting comfortable (and now excited) whem my hand is in the brooder. I'll be careful not to give them too much though. How much egg would you think is ok for their age?

 

[IloveChickens3000]

You can give it to them how much you want there isn't any limit. Chicks need protein in their diet so eggs are perfect.

 

[JJ Ly]

I have 5. Sadly lost one yesterday which is probably why I'm a helicopter chick mom.

 

[IloveChickens3000]

aww Im sorry for your lost. You can make One whole egg for them and then divide it.

 

[BabasCoop]

I have 5. Sadly lost one yesterday which is probably why I'm a helicopter chick mom.

Sorry u lost one. I worry about that all the time!!

We have 16 chicks and we have been feeding them scrambled eggs a couple times a week. I just scramble up two eggs, let them cool then have my daughters go out and hand feed them the eggs. We want them to become very friendly with us and used to hands and being touched. I read that hand feeding them treats is very helpful in accomplishing this.
And it seems to be working. Our two oldest chicks have taken quite well to my husband!

 

[IloveChickens3000]

The last picture is so cute!

 

[Folly's place]

I want to amend something here. Chicks fed chick feed crumble or mash, or some cooked eggs, don't need grit. Anything else they eat does require grit!
Chicks with a broody hen outside will most likely pick up small stones and will be fine, but it never hurts to have grit out for the chicks, and a larger size for older chickens. It's cheap, never spoils, and may make a difference, depending on what's in their environment.
I spread some chick grit around the edge of their pen in the coop, when they move out there by three weeks of age. That's when mine start getting some dirt, plants, and insects, so they need it. I've never had an issue with anyone overeating it, they have too much else to do!
Mary