Dust(sand)bath for new chicks

[Carrie Lynn]

How soon can I offer beach sand to my one week-old chicks for a dust bath?
Will they try to eat it, and will it harm them?

Thanks in advance

 

[dianaross77]

You can give it to them right away. If you're worried about germs, you could bake it first. They will eat it but it won't hurt them. Some people use it as chick grit.

 

[chickenbythesea]

we went to our beach this afternoon and got some sand (a kitty litter box full) and at first they wouldn't go near it... now (monkey see, monkey do) they're all piling into it and eating it! hehe they're very funny. oh, and ours are 2 weeks