Full crops in chicks - add grit?

[kimmybow]

I know that chicks don't need grit, but my 4 week old chicks have very full crops on a diet of only medicated chick feed. It won't hurt them if i give them some grit, will it? They ate it up very quickly. Don't remember if my previous chicks had full crops at this age...

 

[mammat]

My chicks always had full crops...they eat constantly. Chick grit wont hurt just don't let them eat a whole bowl full

 

[kimmybow]

Thanks! I think it was actually medium grit, but I guess if it were a problem, they wouldn't eat it.

 

[Kaeta44]

Course grit helps them grind up the food during the digestive process. Very fine ground oyster shell grit gives them an extra source of protein which is good for their egg shells and feathers.

 

[fiddlebanshee]

Quote: I disagree with this. Oyster shell is fed for calcium, not protein and will hurt the growing chicks organs if they get it at a young age. Oyster shell should only be given to laying hens at or nearing POL and beyond.

I fed my chicks chick grit which is finer than regular grit from week 1, I also fed them treats, greens, mealworms etc regularly from that age. If you only feed chick starter you don't need the grit, I think i read somewhere that grit was incorporated already in the chick crumbles.

 

[Lollipop]

Doesn't hurt to feed grit. In fact, I've always been of the opinion that getting their little gizzards active at a young age is benneficial........Pop