Gave chicks first real snacks today...now I have a question.....

[csummer8882]

I cut up and mashed some cantaloupe seeds and meat for them this morning. They ate it up like crazy! Do I have to give them grit now? Thanks! They are almost 6 weeks old.

 

[earnhardtlvr]

If they aren't outside getting natural grit, u need to provide it when giving treats. Normally only eggs or yogurt don't require grit...pretty much everything else does. Construction sade at Home Depot is what we use. Like $4 for 60 lb bag. Hope that helps!

 

[csummer8882]

No they aren't outside. It's been rainy and chilly here, like 65 degrees during the day so they haven't been out in almost a week. Thank you! Until I can get to Home Depot, can I just put a bit of outside dirt in there with them?

 

[earnhardtlvr]

Yes! Try to pull a nice clump up and put in there for them. It will also provide them with something fun to do!

 

[csummer8882]

With grass as well or no grass?

 

[swampcat]

They won't care if it has grass or not, but they might find the grass more interesting. Also throw some sticks in there for them to perch one

 

[earnhardtlvr]

Just b careful that the grass isn't real long. I think I read something about chicks getting long grass stuck in their crop. I always tear the grass up when I give it to them...but I'm overly protective.

 

[csummer8882]

OK! Thank you! Heading outside now!

 

[csummer8882]

OK, gave them a good sized chunk of outside dirt with a teeny bit of grass in it. They are fighting over it still! LOL Guess they liked it!

Thank you all so much!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

It may depend on the dirt in your yard whether or not this is an effective way to provide grit. The dirt in my yard is hard packed and clay-like so I provided chick grit (you can get a small bag at the feed store) when they were young and when they got treats.