Feed and Grit - Am I on the right track?

[GrannySue]

My chicks are 5 weeks old and have been outside with no heat for about a week. They're happy and healthy and always hungry, of course!
I have them on 20% starter/grower mash. The label suggests that layer chicks should eat this to 6 weeks of age.
I also give them greens in the form of thin clumps of soil with grass growing on it.

My questions;
1) Should I switch them to 18% starter mash or can I finish up the 20% first? At the rate they're eating that would take up to about 9 weeks.
2) Are they getting enough grit with the soil? They tear it apart when they're pulling the grass up.

 

[LarryPQ]

Chicks don't need grit if they have access to dirt. Finish up what you have first, then go onto the grower feed.

 

[Toi-toi]

I bought 50lb chick starter for my 6 chicks.
I can just feed them that till gone??

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Quote:
Yes you can

 

[Toi-toi]

That's good. Thanks

 

[GrannySue]

Quote:
Oh good. Glad to hear about the grit - I figured dirt would be sufficient and they love their little grass patches that I dig up for them. As for the grower feed, I thought I might be forced to hatch some ducklings just to use it up.
Now I have no excuse for hatching duckies this year.

 

[LarryPQ]

There is ALWAYS an excuse to hatch something. You just aren't looking hard enough.