Does Apple Cider Vinegar Prevent Pasty Butt in Chicks?

[robcam817]

You’re very welcome. Grit and oyster shell are two entirely different things, and while all chickens need grit, only layers need oyster shell.

Grit is ground granite (or small rocks and pebbles they find on their own if they free range) and they ingest it to grind the food in their gizzards, since they have no teeth. You can and should start it with chick sized grit from the time the chicks start eating anything other than chick starter.

Oyster shell is just what it says..the broken up bits of oyster shell and it’s needed to ensure that the layers have an adequate supply to keep their bones strong and their eggshells strong. It is more water soluble and it is eaten by layers to replenish the calcium that egg production strips away. With my first batch of chicks, I waited until I saw my first egg before getting them oyster shell, and that’s a good way to start. Up until then their bodies have enough calcium because they aren’t producing egg shell after egg shell. As my flock expanded, I started feeding just one food to my entire flock with the oyster shell on the side for the layers. Oh, sure, the others nibble from time to time, especially when the container is refilled or refreshed, but they don’t get enough calcium to hurt them and they quickly decide they don’t want it, while the layers will take whatever they need.

Understood, thx very much.