I agree that you don't need grit it you are just giving them chick starter feed or other soft foods the break apart easily. HOWEVER, most people want to give their chicks treats or take them outside once in awhile. I put a container of CHICK grit in the brooder when the chicks are about 1 week old. Then a day or two latter I start giving them an occasional treat. Once I give them grit I leav it in the brooder from then on. I put some in a bowl. I don't sprinkle it on the feed or on the floor of the brooder. The first day or two they may eat quite a bit but then they slow down after that.