Chicks Eating Shavings

[Sunshine009]

so I recently got 6 3-week old Wyandotte cross chicks. Their original caregiver had them on straw, but I switched them to aspen bedding. But I found they were eating it bit by bit - not a ton, but would occasionally pick out and gobble down smaller pieces. I Decided to be on the safe side id cover their brooder in cloth towels until they “matured” a bit. But if there are any and I mean ANY pieces of shavings small enough to eat, some of them will actively seek it out and eat them! They’ll go as far as to pick little pieces off my socks when I’m a sitting with them. so Ive been wondering what causes them to want to eat the shavings so much? They are all eating plenty of food and seem happy and healthy.
Thanks!

 

[SueT]

Mine have all done that and turned out fine. Just give them grit. Chick grit.

 

[chickengirl778]

They are mostly curious, but if they have grit I think they'll be all right.

 

[The Phantom]

They like to pick. They don’t really eat it that much. Mine do it a lot.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

It’s something new and different. They get bored and they’re interested in everything. As long as they have grit and aren’t eating handfuls at a time, I think you’re ok. They never...really stop as adults. They’ll eat fresh shavings from time to time. It’s usually from boredom. At least, that’s what I’ve observed.

 

[SueT]

Right, they try to eat everything.....EXCEPT a new type of feed. Then they won't go near it, lol.

 

[lazy gardener]

Birds were created with a gizzard. They are driven to supply that gizzard with grit to aid in digesting their food. If they don't have grit available, they will eat what ever they can find to fulfill that need. Give them a plug of sod from an untreated lawn. This will give them LOTS of benefits including beneficial fungi and bacteria for their gut flora, first grit, minerals, greens, insects, seeds, occasional worms, dust bathing material, and exposure to the pathogens in your soil. YES, THIS IS A GOOD THING. They need this exposure, and it's best if they get it in the first 2 weeks of their lives while they have antibodies received from their mothers. If you do not have grit in your soil, (some soils are too sandy or silty) then you can supply grit from a gravel driveway, or purchase chick grit at the feed store.

 

[Sunshine009]

@The Phantom , I thought so too, but watching closely they’re definitely eating it.

I’m using play sand as grit - is this coarse enough or should I look elsewhere?

 

[Sunshine009]

@lazy gardener thanks on much, I’ll give this a shot!

 

[The Phantom]

@The Phantom , I thought so too, but watching closely they’re definitely eating it.

I’m using play sand as grit - is this coarse enough or should I look elsewhere?

They will. It shouldn’t hurt them.
I use parakeet grit. I think it is the same