Chicks Arrived Today!! Worried about something though..advice???

[hen-at-home]

Hi all,

I tried to search for an answer specifically but the search wasn't working so I'm just going to post this question. I don't know if this is anything I should be worried about or not but I'm worried until someone tells me not too!

We picked up our chicks today. The large box I had set up wasn't quite ready so I put them in a small box temporarily. I am using sand in the large box but because I had been experimenting prior to the chicks arrival a couple days ago the small box had Gravel 'n Grit on the bottom of it (the kind used for pet parakeets and cockatiels). I put my 4 chicks into the small box with the grit in it and now I'm suddenly wondering if there is any danger of them eating the grit or eating too much grit? I felt, what I assume to be, the crop of one of the chicks and it feels like it's full of grit and it's bulging. She seems fine though. Should I be worried??

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I don't know if that would be of concearn or not. Are they eating the chick starter like normal? If so then I would assume that what little grit they consume with it might be ok but I can not say for certain. This is just my guess. Good luck with your babies

to BYC!

 

[tinychicky]

just take away their feed for about an hour. they'll be fine! they're like little kids who keep eating even though they're already full, just because it tastes so good! have fun with your new chicks and

!

 

[briana1975]

The only thing I would be really concerned with some of the grit at the pet stores has oyster shell in it. Did you read the box? I have a canary and have noticed this and cannot give my chicks the same grit as the canary due to the extra calcium in it. I always buy chick grit now not small bird grit.

 

[hen-at-home]

Thanks for the responses. I'll check the box of grit. If there is oyster shell it is only a very small amount. They are eating a good amount of the chick starter so when I felt the crop it actually could have been filled with the starter and not just grit. I have read other posts which said that they were using sand in their brooder so now that I've taken some time to think about it, there shouldn't be a problem. Grit is just sand. If I'm wrong and I shouldn't have them on the parakeet grit I hope someone will tell me.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Different people like to raise their chicks in different ways. I would be concerned about having them on that substrate, especially at that age.

If they were mine, I would take them off of it and put down paper towels or at least cover it with paper towels. Chicks can over eat grit early on and I only give limited amounts at first, if it's given at all. They are still experimenting and going on instinct right out of the shell, as they have no mother to imitate and teach them. Some over eat shavings, too. That's why it's recommended to put down paper towels, either over or in place of shavings the first week of their life. Not every chick over eats shavings, but some do. They just need time to smarten up.

The only parakeet grit I ever see for sale these days has calcium sources in it that are not good for the chicks. They are already getting calcium in their food and extra calcium is not good for their kidneys. Sand is finer and easier to pass than the grit I've seen, as well as being inert. If they are only eating a few pieces, it's not like that's a big deal, but if they do over eat it, then it's more of a problem. I just wouldn't want to risk it. Impacted crops are a real hassle in birds.

They will probably be fine, and pass it. I would just keep an eye on them.

 

[hen-at-home]

Hello WoodlandWoman (love that username by the way!),

Thanks for your advice. I will be moving them to a large box that I put construction (all purpose) sand in. How soon would I know if there is an impacted crop? They all seem to be doing fine. The crops fill up, then they go down from what I can tell. No crop seems extremely large and all four birds are eating and drinking and excreting. We're on day two and I just wondered when I would see problems?

Obviously the oyster shell problem would show up with time, but then probably too late, so I will remove the parakeet grit to be safe.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

As long as their crops are emptying, then they aren't impacted. That's great. With impacted crops, the crop fills up, but what's inside it can't pass, so it stays large. Then, they aren't getting the nutrition they need, plus any organic material stuck in the crop starts to get worked on by bacteria. Then it starts giving off a bad smell, too.

Sounds like yours are doing ok, though, if their crops are emptying.

Sometimes, I find it hard to decide whether to post on a thread. Everyone has their own way of doing things. I would just hate to lose a chick, even if the risk wasn't great. I try to look out for the ones that maybe aren't the brightest bulbs in the pack.

Oh, my! I just read this to my husband and he said I better clarify that I mean the chicks not all being that bright, not the posters!

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
The first month I had chicks for the first time - which was only last October - I would never have been offended by that label. I KNEW I wasn't too darn bright, back then!

 

[hen-at-home]

Lol!

I can't tell you how many times I've posted/or sent email and then re-read it and had to clarify! I'm not easily offended though even if you were referring to the poster. Like gryeyes said, I know I'm dimly lit in when it comes to this subject. The fun is in the learning!