Conducting grit experiments with my chicks

[debid]

I have chicks ranging in age from a few days old to two weeks and I conducted a grit experiment. I offered three sizes -- sand, granite bits that are small enough to go through a steel mesh colander, and larger granite bits that go through a plastic colander. The smallest chicks like the middle size and the bigger chicks take the largest pieces. Nobody is eating the sand. My conclusion is that given the option, chicks will choose surprisingly large grit for their size.

 

[LarryPQ]

Chicks will eat grit if they need it, in the sizes they need it.

does your expiriment take into account chicks tossing stuff around?

 

[debid]

I'm watching them eat it -- the results are for grit size, not quantity consumed (which would be very hard to measure because the do spill the dish zooming around sometimes). Today, I tried wet vs. dry but the results were inconclusive.

 

[naakte]

I havent given my chicks any grit like ever~!!!! I was told they get all they need from the chick starter. they get other stuff like cabbage, cantaloupe ect. do i need to add rocks?

Donna in branson