Chick Grit

[sarab75]

Are you supposed to give your chicks chick grit? My girls are about 8 weeks old and I was told that they need to be given grit to aid with digestion. Does anyone else do this or have any recommendations for me? Thanks

 

[BravewingTheHen]

I never gave my chicks any grit, and they were just fine. A simple medicated crumble is good, but you can switch over to plain crumble when your birds are about 7 weeks (if they are laying birds, not meat)

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they are just fed chicken feed, no grit is needed because the grain is ground before formulation. If fed other things like grains, seeds, greens they need grit but at 8 weeks they are too old for chick grit(#1). At this age they need #2 grit. and by about 12-14 weeks are ready for adult grit. The grit lodges in the gizzard and when the gizzard contracts the stones grind up the grain. If the grit is too small it just passes straight through.

 

[sarab75]

Thanks so much. They are laying hens. I'm very new at this just want to keep them healthy and happy.

 

[Jilltandgregm]

If the Chickens are free ranging all day and foraging, do I still need to give them store bought grit or can I assume they are getting it from the land?

 

[Den in Penn]

If the Chickens are free ranging all day and foraging, do I still need to give them store bought grit or can I assume they are getting it from the land?

Welcome to BYC.
If they are out free ranging all day they should have no problem finding stones for grit.