Chick Grit?

[BigBlueHen53]

This year I had two almost-hens go broody. Rather than fight with them over it, I gave them each a couple of eggs. They each hatched one and are co-parenting them. Within a week the little rascals sneaked through a fence and got in with the flock, the hens flew over said fence, and they are fully integrated, part of the family. Here they are at about one week. The lavenders are the moms.

 

[Clanier1589]

Grit is always necessary, why would you think other wise. From day one in Free range environment that is the first thing chicks eat. Best thing for them is to grow natural, watch your chicks in Free range and see how much dirt they eat. Ask any real chicken breeder if I'm wrong. There will be plenty to argue my point but most will agree.

Our chicken run has dirt in it. We offered grit and then one got impacted crop. Is the dirt enough or should I sprinkle grit for them to get naturally?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Our chicken run has dirt in it. We offered grit and then one got impacted crop. Is the dirt enough or should I sprinkle grit for them to get naturally?

Depends on what's in the dirt. Dirt itself is not grit, there needs to be easily accessible tiny, hard stone in it to serve as grit.

Also how did you offer the grit? How old are the birds? Chicks more than adults are more prone to gorging on grit so I don't offer it free choice myself, I sprinkle a small pinch on their feed a couple times a week instead to prevent that.