Grit for 3 week old Chicks/ Diatomaceous Earth??

[_Kelley_]

Hi! Do 3 week old chicks need special grit because they're so little? Or regular ol grit will do? Also, I've read putting a little Diatomaceous earth in their dirt bath dirt will prevent bugs/pests, I've also read chickens especially chicks have very sensitive respiratory system and the Diatomaceous earth can harm them. Any experienced chick raisers have thoughts on this?
Thank you in advance!

 

[DobieLover]

Hi! Do 3 week old chicks need special grit because they're so little? Or regular ol grit will do? Also, I've read putting a little Diatomaceous earth in their dirt bath dirt will prevent bugs/pests, I've also read chickens especially chicks have very sensitive respiratory system and the Diatomaceous earth can harm them. Any experienced chick raisers have thoughts on this?
Thank you in advance!

The chicks need chick grit if they are eating anything other than chick starter.
Do not waste your money on DE. Just plain old dry dirt will make a fine dust bath.

 

[Roli]

The chicks need chick grit if they are eating anything other than chick starter.
Do not waste your money on DE. Just plain old dry dirt will make a fine dust bath.

so if the chick is 3 weeks old and only eating starter they don’t need grit yet?

 

[DobieLover]

so if the chick is 3 weeks old and only eating starter they don’t need grit yet?

No.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you do add grit, make sure it's appropriately sized for the chicks.