Grit for chicks

[First-time-raising]

My chicks will be 3 weeks old tomorrow I would like to start giving them treats other then chick food. My question is if I offer them childerns play sand that comes in bags for sandboxes will that work for grit? And how long should it be given to them before giving them treats?

 

[Katy]

I start sprinkling chick size grit or parakeet grit on their food when they're a few days old.

 

[hatchcrazzzy]

i use play sand from lowes and it works fine.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Yup play sand is what I use. It's sterilized (forbid a kid ever comes in contact with a germ

) and works great. You can get a 25lb bag of it for the same price as 1 lb bag of parakeet grit.

 

[Mareloo]

I am sorry..

I am so lost..

Why on earth would i want to sprinkle sand on my week old baby chicks food?

What is grid? What happen to only starter feed for the first 4 weeks?

Parakeet food?? Why?

You don't like your baby's much? Or am I missing something huge here?

Please educate me!

 

[hencackle]

Mareloo, the grit helps break up the food inside the gizzard as it "grinds".
I use parakeet grit...it's cheap, clean and free of contaminants, and easily fits on a pantry shelf.

 

[Mareloo]

We don't use the word "grit" here.. I am not familiar with the word. That is why I am asking.. What is grid? Have you maybe got another word for it? or a picture? Or could you maybe please describe it? My baby's obviously needed that since yesterday and I got no idea what it is...

 

[MissPrissy]

Grit is the small rocks and sand chickens eat when they scratch around that helps the gizzard grind their food.

As long as the chicks are getting commercial feed and you sprinkle a little feed on their treats they don't need alot of extra grit.

 

[Mareloo]

Thank you again MissP!

I will go look if I can find grit. Mine has never had any.. ever..

I also don't give them any treats for the first 4 weeks.. I am under the impression they will drop dead immediately if I do.. Am I wrong?

The only thing they getting is starter feed..

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

am I missing something huge here?

No, its actually very small pebbles or sand.

Oh and if they are only eating chick starter they do not need grit, they will need it to eat grasses and other things they will eat as they get out and about​