Do our chicks need grit if they are eating tiny moths?

[newchickmom09]

I know that sounds funny...but yesterday we finaly got our babies in. Here once it gets dark we have a ton of those little moths that are about 1/2 in long and very skinny that come out. Well I was watching the chicks since one if a little weaker then the rest and saw one of those moths fly in there. It landed right in the middle of the chicks. They went nuts over it pecking it running with it, it was so cute to watch. After almost 3 minutes of this one finaly was able to swallow it.

So I am wondering if they are going to eat these moths do they need grit or not. It was just that one tiny moth but I never know when one is going to fly in the house and it seemed to love there light in the brooder, which makes me think there might be more. I was planning to put grit in there brooder at about 1 to 2 weeks old.

LOL..I sound like a worry wort.

 

[Wynette]

What a good question! I don't typically give treats to my babies until they're 3 weeks old, but I don't think it's wrong to do so. I would say, better safe than sorry, and go ahead & offer some CHICK grit. It comes in a small size, just for chicks! It certainly won't hurt, SO LONG AS they are eating their normal starter feed regularly.

 

[Evernf]

At Wall Mart they have Chicken scach is that ok as a maine dieat un till they lay then change to laying feed excuse the spelling

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:
No, they need a chick starter, or a start & grow to start out with.

 

[Wynette]

Yes, they should not have scratch as a feed...it should be used as a treat only, and VERY sparingly in the summer, because the corn in it heats them up.

Good luck!

 

[newchickmom09]

Wynette~ I didn't give it to them it flew in there on its own. LOL But I was thinking if they were outside with there mom then they would have ate it anyways.

 

[redhen]

If they have access to anything other than chicken food they need grit. If they are living outside and eating grass..they need grit...

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Chickens that are on the ground will find grit in the dirt, but if they are inside, or even outside off the ground, they need grit. Even if you aren't purposely giving them treats, they will sometimes eat their bedding, and should have grit to avoid impaction.

 

[Judy]

No, corn does not heat chickens. Read here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=74876

 

[newchickmom09]

Alright, so I guess I will put some grit in there and watch to make sure they are still eating there food. Thanks everyone!