Grit mixed in with food or free choice?

[KaiAnn]

I'm a newbie to meat birds. They are 3 weeks old and I've been mixing chick grit in with their food. My hubby thinks it should be free choice. How do you experienced people do it?

 

[Michael OShay]

They need some chick grit mixed in with their food.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

If they are only eating commercial chick starter or grower, they do not need additional grit. If they are pastured or are given things like kitchen scraps, they do need grit. A pastured bird will probably be able to get all the grit they need from their pasture, but a making a cup of grit available for them doesn't hurt. If they are in a pen and they are given something besides commercial feed, you should make grit available.

 

[subhanalah]

It is good for them to start getting grit into their gizzards for better results. Too bad I didn't save that link, saw it here on BYC I think.

 

[Lisa2013]

What is grit? Do I just get it from the feed store? Sorry iam new to this

 

[Michael OShay]

Grit is small bits of stone are other minerals used to aid the chickens in digestion or meet certain mineral needs and you can buy it at the feed store. There is a good article in grit at http://poultrykeeper.com/general-chickens/types-of-poultry-grit

 

[Lisa2013]

Thank you