chicks/grit?

[shakecc]

I just got back from the feedstore and bought Purina medicated chick starter. The helpful store clerk also sold me grit for "chicks" to mix in their feed. I am still alittle confused on the grit aspect (I am new to chickens). Could anyone offer some advice? I pick up my chicks tomorrow.

Thank you!

 

[rockhound]

Hey, I get to answer a question. What a concept.

Chicks don't need grit unless they are getting treats. As long as they are just getting starter they don't need grit. Once they start digesting bugs and greens and such they will need the grit. (It's for their gizzards, to grind up the food)

 

[priszilla]

I bought some chick grit for my older babies today -because they will be getting some goodies now.What I had gotten ata nother store before was very fine crushed granite. This is regular sized and looks like they mixed oyster shell, pigeon grit and the bigger granite chips all together. Many folks just use play sand if they have or caged bird grit. I will look at the choices next time. I would have made a different choice.

 

[mdoerge]

I was at a pet store yesterday and the caged bird grit contained oyster shell, which is a calcium source. I read that chicks shouldn't have calcium. Mine are only 4 days old, but when the weather is right, I'd like to take them outside for a short time. Do I need to give them grit if they go outside and eat for a short time? How do you feed them grit?

 

[priszilla]

they will eat dirt which is kind of what grit is - only clean. and the caged bird grit is a blend of sand and crushed oyster shell- they would not eat enough for the calcium to be a problem- unless you give them the whole box-lol. you can "lightly salt" the food or offer it in a seperate dish but only a tiny amount. Sometimes babies overeat new things.

 

[JennsPeeps]

My 3-week old chicks love love love love LOVE grit. If I give them a little pile in a dish they'll peck at it for a long time.