Chicks over eating on grit?

[goatkeepers]

I bought a bag of the granit grit stuff for our three 4-week-old (tomorrow!

) chicks and everytime I put some free choice in their cage, they jsut keep eating! Is this normal? I sprinkled it over their regular food the first day, like the bag said to do and then tried to give it to them free choice the next day, but I had to take it out because they just go to town when it's in there! What should I do?
Thanks guys.
Nina

 

[tiffanyh]

I dont use it but I wouldnt give more than a "dose a day".

 

[Sharisr32]

Grit is like Ice Cream and kids and should be treated like that sprinkle a little on their food once in a while- If you are using chick starter it isn't needed

 

[raindrop]

I hand feed mine some every day, then leave a little in the brooder on one of the boards I use to elevate the feeders. Mine do the same thing. "Hey, wow, stuff to peck at!!"

I use it because I offer chopped green grass starting at 2 weeks old.

 

[Cetawin]

I also give greens and stuff to my chicks since they were about 2 weeks...so I put a little grit on the top of their food in the mornings and later in the day I put about 1/4 tsp on a plate with their greens for them to have fun with.

 

[goatkeepers]

Ok, thanks!

So eventually when they are grown and in their main coop where they have access to a little bit of pasture, then I should give it free choice?

 

[Cetawin]

exactly. If they start getting greens and such, give them some in small amounts and do not leave it for free choice until they are foraging outside.