Grit

[Jrios58]

Help, I know nothing about grit except I know chickens need it in their crop. Mine are 3.5 months old and get medicated chick starter and whatever bugs are in their pen. (Not many bugs with 12 hungry hens iin there). I have sand for them to dust bathe in, plus there are lots of small rocks in the dirt. They're big, gorgeous and healthy (white rocks). Obviously I'm doing a few things right but I don't want to cause any issues later.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If there's a variety of rocks in the dirt they're likely going to get enough just by picking through the dirt. But you can provide grit on the side if you want as well.

 

[Flame80]

My chicks are 9 week old white leghorns. At what age should I introduce grit into their diet? And what age would be the possible earliest they might start laying? I want to have their nests opened up and ready for them when they are ready. And is it ok to eat the first few eggs my newbies lay?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I offer different sizes of Poultry Grit (insoluble) at the following ages.
I offer Oyster Shells (calcium) at 15 weeks. . Each in separate containers.

GC

 

[GC-Raptor]

White Leghorns, what age would be the possible earliest they might start laying?

As early as 16 weeks, but usually 18 > 20 weeks. GC

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

I got mine March 14th at ~1 week old. They started laying within the last week (so right around 18 weeks).

 

[DobieLover]

And is it ok to eat the first few eggs my newbies lay?

Of course! Don't be surprised if you can a few wonky eggs from them in the beginning. It is not uncommon for newly laying pullets to have soft shell or shell-less eggs and double yolks.

 

[Sassy13]

I do offer chick grit in a separate bowl in the run at all times. My chicks ( 8 weeks old ), also have a sand bath in the their run. They free range during dusk, when I let them out for an hour or so.

I have noticed though that the grit container is still the same. They do eat it every now and then but they have not used it much. Should I show them where it is or they have been getting it elsewhere?

I guess, my question is do they need grit everyday or do they know how much to find for themselves?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I guess, my question is do they need grit everyday or do they know how much to find for themselves?

They do not need it every day. They may go weeks without needing any. They refill when their bodies tell them they need to replenish the supply after having ground it down past the point of usefulness.

 

[Sassy13]

okay great! I have been giving them some squash from our garden and sprinkled some grit on it. They devoured it. But I dont want to over do it. Thank you