grit question

[vlapinta]

In Storey's Guide to raising ducks it says to add grit to the ducklings food. Just wondering if you do this and what size does it look like? I had to buy grit for 3 chicks we rescued. They didn't have chick grit so I ground it down and now its more like a gritty powder. Is this OK?

Vicki

 

[Amiga]

Here is a link to a (slightly blurry - apologies) picture of chick sized grit. Hope that helps.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=295320

Sounds like what you have is good.

(including the link always helps)

 

[destinduck]

yep but a lil dirt sprinkled on the food will work too.

 

[vlapinta]

Mine looks more like pepper, so I guess I ground it down too much. It looks from the picture that it should be more like small pebbles.
Do I give the ducklings grit every day on their food from the day when I put them in the brooder?

Vicki

 

[Hennyhandler]

I thought you only gave them this when they had access to treats. Things they wouldn't normally have. I know this is for chicks but maybe not for ducklings. I now wonder too.

 

[Amiga]

I have been giving them just a little bit on their food for four weeks. Yesterday someone told me they don't need anymore grit, but I am not sure they have that right. So, time to look at Storey's again.

By the way, they are four weeks old, and look quite healthy, so I think everything is okay.

"Coarse sand or chick-sized granite grit should be kept before ducklings at all times." I think I am okay sprinkling a couple teaspoons of grit into their food until they are outdoors foraging.

 

[destinduck]

I dont every day , about once every 4or 5 days. and hennys right . I dont think its that critical also.

 

[Hattiegun]

the grit I found was really big, can I use the small gravel and sand from a driveway, like the wild birds do.. I put some in a dish and a couple my ducks ate some

 

[afeatherfan]

I go to tractor supply and get (I think its called) chick grit . Go to where they sell the chicken stuff and you will see it , or ask for it .That is what I use.

 

[tia]

I've been giving it to my adult ducks. Just a little every once in a while on their food. I tried putting it in an extra dish and they just gobble it up like it is food. I bought some oyster shells too. It looks so big. Do you have to grind it up some?