Grit question

It's not about amount, chickens only eat what they need, it's that chicks need smaller grit. They don't need it if they're only eating starter/grower. They do need it if they're getting treats

 

We used to mix of big containers full of the mixture we wanted to use. However, we have reduced to feeding once a day, because that keeps the rodent population from being tempted to make a home. But, yes, baby chicks need chick grit. Adults I like to use granite grit, which are larger. Chick grit is finer, and smaller, so that it can be used in their tiny craws. If you have ever butchered a rooster, and took apart the gizzard, you will see grit in there. That is how they digest their food safety. It is essentially their 'teeth' as they don't have any like mamals do.

 

My broody hen is offering the chicks all kinds of treats and bugs. I had forgotten about chick grit and none of my local feed stores carry it. I ordered some from Amazon but it won't arrive until Monday. In the meantime I am hoping that they are getting what they need from the dirt and sand on the ground of the pen. Is there something that can be used as a grit substitute for chicks?

 

FYI check the pet supply stores, often you can get tiny grit for small parrots and I think it would be the same thing.

An additional question. So they have grit available do you just put it in a small bowl in their brooder or toss it in the bedding for them to peck at? My chicks arrive late next week. I'm adding a stationary grit and oyster shell stations in my run when I get it built. Course nothing in the oyster shell one until they are old enough.

 

You toss tthe grit down in the bedding.

I've never used grit, and I've never had a problem. I instead just dig up a clump of grass and dirt, and they scratch at that

 

I did go to a pet store but the only grit they had on hand had oyster shell in it so I didn't get it. Glad to see that @Poultry parent has had luck with the low-tech dirt method.

 

Thanks, I'm adding a pan of dirt to my brooder at the suggestion of many here so they can do dust baths and increase their immunity to anything that might be in my soil.