Grit or no grit?

[BeckiinVA]

My chicks are 3 weeks old and have had to be moved to a temporary brooder in the chicken house. I chose to use what was supposed to be CLEAN straw as bedding, because being the great forager breed they are, they were keeping their feed and water full of pine shavings and poop. I was throwing away more chick starter than they were eating.

Needless to say, the straw isn't as clean as I had been led to believe, and there is some seed in it, which they are finding. There is also the occasional bug they luck up on. Wondering if I should go ahead and give them some grit, along with their regular crumble (separate dish maybe?) just to make sure they can digest those few seeds and bugs?

Thanks!

 

[lazy gardener]

I always give my chicks grit (I scoop appropriate sized gravel out of the driveway). Studies have shown that chickens provided with grit, starting at an early age have better gizzard development, and improved productivity. I also recommend that you give them a plug of sod from an untreated lawn, as well as letting them have exposure to "not so clean" bedding from your coop/run. This will help them develop a strong immune system.

 

[tripletfeb]

Yes, I would give them grit. Make sure it is chick grit. It won't hurt them if they don't need it. Mine free range and I give them grit anyways, just in case.

 

[True Patriot]

It's far better for grit to be available than not. If they're eating anything other than starter they need it. A small dish on the side will let then choose when and how much. Not having grit can cause problems. I offer mine from day one. As far as getting everything into their food/water you can try either raising it so it's above the litter or place on a cookie sheet or similar. Not perfect but every bit helps.

 

[BeckiinVA]

I always give my chicks grit (I scoop appropriate sized gravel out of the driveway). Studies have shown that chickens provided with grit, starting at an early age have better gizzard development, and improved productivity. I also recommend that you give them a plug of sod from an untreated lawn, as well as letting them have exposure to "not so clean" bedding from your coop/run. This will help them develop a strong immune system.

Thanks, lazy gardener. Hadn't thought about the sod. Great idea!

 

[BeckiinVA]

It's far better for grit to be available than not. If they're eating anything other than starter they need it. A small dish on the side will let then choose when and how much. Not having grit can cause problems. I offer mine from day one. As far as getting everything into their food/water you can try either raising it so it's above the litter or place on a cookie sheet or similar. Not perfect but every bit helps.

Thank you, True Patriot. I raised the food and water as much as I could and still have it where they could get to it. They just got to be too big for what I had them in, and being Barred Rocks, they are big time scratchers, so everything was flying everywhere. Since moving them and putting them on straw, their food and water stays clean.

 

[BeckiinVA]

Yes, I would give them grit. Make sure it is chick grit. It won't hurt them if they don't need it. Mine free range and I give them grit anyways, just in case.

Thanks, tripletfeb!