Do I Really Need Grit?

[tgperg]

I have fourteen three week old dominique chicks that are being raised by their mama. She'll take care of making sure they get grit and stuff, right? They spent one week in the broody box with her, then the next week I took the mama and babies outside every day to an outdoor brooder pen and put them up every night, and then last week I just started letting them free range with the other birds. I started noticing they were coming up to get scratch grains with the big chickens in the morning now and I remember reading that you need to give them grit if they're getting treats. But since they're outside all day will they just find what they need? This is my first time raising chicks. We started with 8 week old pullets last year. Thanks.

Traci

 

[AKsmama]

Usually when they have access to your yard/dirt, they get all the grit they need. I've had my flock for almost a year and have never provided them with any store-bought grit as they have always had access to dirt and gravel. Sounds like your mama hen is showing them what they need!

 

[WriterofWords]

I've never used grit.