Grass in the brooder

[MarkRainbolt]

Was wondering if anyone put grass clippings in their brooder for the chicks to scratch through and to eat? And if you do what age did you start this? Thank you.
Mark

 

[southwestclucker]

I put a clump (including rootball with dirt still attached, so they'd have grit) in with them after their first week or so and they loved pecking at it.

 

[sourland]

I put a clump (including rootball with dirt still attached, so they'd have grit) in with them after their first week or so and they loved pecking at it.

I like this idea better than the grass clippings as they can sometimes cause crop issues in young chicks.

 

[rosemarythyme]

x3 on the rooted clump. Clippings, especially if they're on the longer side, can cause impaction in chickens of all ages, as the birds cannot tear them into small pieces.

I do use lawn clippings in my run, but I allow them to dry out a few days before adding, as the birds are less likely to eat dried grass vs fresher, greener grass. If the clippings are on the long side, then it goes to yard waste bin or compost instead.