I agree that it sounds like you were sold oyster shell instead of grit. Grit will be ground up granite. Oyster shell is bad for chicks and should not be given to them until the are laying eggs. It has too much calcium.
I don't completely agree that they will find enough natural grit in a clump of sod. It depends upon the makeup of your soil. I live in an area where the soil is primarily loam and clay. There is very little rock in it at a size to be usable for grit. I am sure that many people here on BYC have soil that contains larger rock particles.
You can purchase CHICK grit at many feed stores. I bought a 5lb bag last weekend for $5.99. This will likely be more than enough for my 20 chicks. Now I just need the chicks.... I will place a bowl of chick grit in the brooder when the chicks are about a week old and will leave some in there from then on. I do not sprinkle it on their food as some people suggest.
I don't completely agree that they will find enough natural grit in a clump of sod. It depends upon the makeup of your soil. I live in an area where the soil is primarily loam and clay. There is very little rock in it at a size to be usable for grit. I am sure that many people here on BYC have soil that contains larger rock particles.
You can purchase CHICK grit at many feed stores. I bought a 5lb bag last weekend for $5.99. This will likely be more than enough for my 20 chicks. Now I just need the chicks.... I will place a bowl of chick grit in the brooder when the chicks are about a week old and will leave some in there from then on. I do not sprinkle it on their food as some people suggest.
