Chicks full of sand

[Jennlloyd]

Is it possible for chicks to get to much sand in their craws, if that's the word I mean? I live in FL and it seems my chicks have a pouch of sand on their chests as they scratch and peck in the sandy soil so much.

 

[Firekin1]

They can get impacted crops from eating too much sand...but their crops fill up as they eat as well...as long as they keep pooping normal they should be ok...

 

[Jennlloyd]

Is there any way to flush the sand of oil it to move it along?

 

[rc4u]

really they will only eat the sand they need for there gizzard...they are very accurate pickers when small specs or insects/..

 

[3riverschick]

Is it possible for chicks to get to much sand in their craws, if that's the word I mean? I live in FL and it seems my chicks have a pouch of sand on their chests as they scratch and peck in the sandy soil so much.

The Science Of Feeding Grit To Poultry
Hi

,
Interesting question. Grit is a fascinating subject. Chicks should have available the largest size grit they will eat. At this stage it would be chick grit if u to 3 weeks old. If 4 thru 7 weeks old they should get medium size (developer) grit. From 8 weeks on, they should get adult grit. Why? And why sand isn't the best grit for your chicks. Here's a research project with references I did on the Science of Grit in Poultry. Basically we feed grit to develop a strong gizzard as the birds grow. That's why it's important to fed the right size grit at the right age. The advantage for us when they are grown is that the layers will produce up to 20% more eggs. The broilers will gain more weight during the finishing off period before processing.
Here's the article: The Science Of Feeding Grit To Poultry
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/891051/the-science-of-feeding-grit-to-poultry
Best Regards,
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[Jennlloyd]

The Science Of Feeding Grit To Poultry
Hi  ,
Interesting question. Grit is a fascinating subject. Chicks should have available the largest size grit they will eat. At this stage it would be chick grit if u to 3 weeks old. If  4 thru 7 weeks old they should get medium size (developer) grit. From 8 weeks on, they should get adult grit.  Why?  And why sand isn't the best grit for your chicks. Here's a research project with references I did on the Science of Grit in Poultry. Basically we feed grit to develop a strong gizzard as the birds grow. That's why it's important to fed the right size grit at the right age. The advantage for us when they are grown is that the layers will produce up to 20% more eggs. The broilers will gain  more weight during the finishing off period before processing.
 Here's the article:  The Science Of Feeding Grit To Poultry
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/891051/the-science-of-feeding-grit-to-poultry
 Best Regards,
 Karen in western PA, USA

Fasinating! Can they rid themselves of the sand though? Can I get grit T Home Depot of is the feedstore my only option? Thanks for your knowledge.

 

[Jennlloyd]

Fasinating! Can they rid themselves of the sand though? Can I get grit T Home Depot of is the feedstore my only option? Thanks for your knowledge.

Great and informative read! Thanks! Got chick grit on the way and sure will change accordingly. Love the learning.

 

[3riverschick]

Fasinating! Can they rid themselves of the sand though? Can I get grit T Home Depot of is the feedstore my only option? Thanks for your knowledge.

Hi,
I read that grit that is too small for the birds needs eventually washes out thru the G.I. tract and is eliminated.
I do not know if there is a way to encourage that. Might take your chicks off the ground and raise on chips
or hardware cloth, giving them chick grit instead. I don't know the age or quantity of your birds. Any place that
handles feed or agricultural supplies should have grit.
Best Regards,
Karen