Grit, how do you give it to the?

[DottieMarie]

Our chicks are 1 week old. I believe I was told to start giving them grit for small birds but do I mix it with their food, sprinkle it on the floor or put it in a seperate feeder?

How often?

 

[ZooMummzy]

I never gave my chicks grit. From what I've learned here, they only need it to digest treats, which chicks don't usually get. I have a small bag I give to my house chicken in a little bowl because she doesn't get outside ever. I have 4 month old and the only grit they get is from the dirt they eat outside.

 

[92caddy]

If or when I start to see my chicks get pasty butt, I will give them very fine grit or sand and that will help to stop the pasty butt...................

 

[LuckyChicken]

We would put out sand (play sand from the sandbox) when the chicks were old enough to start getting occasional treats. Once we move our chicks into the coop, we would offer regular grit. I would say you don't have to offer any form of grit until you start offering treats, or until they're older and out living "on their own."

 

[DottieMarie]

Thanks for the input. I gave them some very fine grit yesterday; is there any harm in giving to them or do they just not need it?

 

[gachickeeper]

Zoo, having a house chicken sounds like fun. How does that work? (as far as droppings and all)