Confused about food

[BerrytangleFarm]

We were told that the chick food we got from the feed store was all-inclusive and no grit was needed until they moved on to the layer feed. I've since learned that they move to a development food first then to a layer feed. Where does the grit come in, please? We have 6 near 6-week-old chicks.

 

[CoffeeCow]

They shouldn't need grit until they start eating other things than the chick food. If you give them treats, then they need it. You can start them off with some parakeet grit

 

[acid_chipmunk]

Everything above is true, except for the parakeet grit. If you do use that and not chick grit, make sure it doesn't have calcium in it. Calcium before laying age can damage their kidneys. Also, if they are outside on grass or dirt, they won't need grit. They will pick up little rocks off the ground.

 

[BerrytangleFarm]

Thanks, that really helps. I suppose we'll do scraps at some point, but right now it's just straight chicken feed.