Chick Grit

[tnmamaw01]

Just wondering if someone could tell me how much grit 8 week old gals should be going through in a week? I know the bag says 1lb of grit to 40 lbs of food but my gals seem to be consuming more than they should I think. I have just been putting out a couple of cups or so every few days and it disappears so quickly. I am wondering if this is normal that they are gobbling up so much of it? Any info would be appreciated...
Thanks!

 

[dewey]

Mine always just had a large free choice container of it available and they'd use what they needed without worry that they'd abuse it. How many chickens do you have? The amount they go through will usually depend on how many chickens you have and if they have access to other grit sources, etc. If you have only a few could they be spilling it?

Oh and

 

[tnmamaw01]

Thanks for your response. I have 8 gals and they are about 8 weeks old. I put a several of cups of grit out for them every other day. Being new at this, I wasn't sure if they were just going through it too fast. We don't have much of a grit source for them other than what we are giving them. There was a bit of limestone gravel next to the edge of their house to cut down on the water flow off the roof and they have picked out everything small enough to use and they have only been in their yard and house for about 2 weeks now. I guess I will just assume they will not over do and just keep plenty there for them. Need to hit to co-op and get a 40 or 50lb bag I guess. Thanks again

 

[Rustywreck]

they may be dumping it when trying to scratch in it, then spreading it about the coop. I have been adding grit to the food during the winter. During the non-snow months when the little sissies will go outside I don't give them any - they can get all they want outside.

 

[dewey]

Could they be scratching it out? Several cups every other day is a lot for only 8 youngsters.

 

[dewey]

What kind of container is the grit in? On the cheap it can be kept in a gallon milk jug with holes cut in it (holes big enough to fit their heads in) so they can't scratch it out, or cottage cheese/yogurt/margarine tub with holes cut in it.

 

[tnmamaw01]

Thanks Dewey! You know what, I never thought about them just scratching it about, spreading it and burrying it for that fact. I have just been putting it in a pile on the ground for them to peck at. Wow...I feel like a bone head. Thanks again. I am going to do the milk jug thing for sure.