Grit?

[Morgan7782]

What sort of things are used for giving grit to chicks? Any advice regarding grit, how much, when to give, that sort of thing is helpful

Also, if they are free range do they come across stuff normally?

 

[LarryPQ]

If they are free ranging, they will get plenty of grit from the dirt they peck at. You don't need to worry about giving chicks grit, especially if they are eating starter.

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

Because my chicks eat quite a lot of long pieces of grass, I make sure to give them about 2 bottle caps of grit every 2 days or so. Just to be sure...as I don't feel they get enough grit in my yard.

 

[PepsNick]

i'm so alte to respond. but... chicks dont need grit if they're on started feed. if not, curshed oyster shells in a small tuna can or something. you can also mix it in with their food.

 

[Moxiechick]

I was wondering the same thing the other day, and went searching for answers.
If they are only eating chick feed, they do not need grit. If you are giving treats, then they need it. From what I've read, it is not good to give them any added calcium, as their feed already contains this, and too much is bad for their systems. Crushed oyster shell would fall into this category. Some here reccomended usisng parakeet grit, but to be sure it is plain grit, again, with no added calcium.
All the pet stores arounf here carry the calcium fortified grit (if they carry grit at all!) DP solved the problem by buying some poultry grit at the feed store. We ran some through a seive to filter out the smaller pieces, to give to the chicks. Working fine so far!

 

[BeccaB00]

ok if they are eating starter they don't need grit as starter is very easy to digest

If they are eating scratch/corn or anything besides starter ... they DO need grit. they can get an impacted crop if you don't give grit

If they are free range they should not need grit as they get enough out in the yard.
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I just mixed the grit in some scratch everyday when I was feeding a chick scratch because we didnt have any starter at the time...

We get our grit at the feed store. Thats the only place I know of that has grit!

I have learned so much from BYC!!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
Other than the comment on the oyster shell, you are getting good advice. If they free range, they are getting enough and they are eating things that they need grit for. In the brooder before they free range, I give them sand and small pieces of gravel from my gravel road and driveway. If yours is salted for ice in the winter, don't do this since they cannot handle the extra salt. Coarse sand, like construction sand, works well too. Don't use the play sand. It is too fine and smooth to do much good. Play sand will work and will not hurt them, but it will go right through them.

As Moxiechick said, the calcium in oyster shell is bad for them. It can damage their liver. Also, oyster shell is not really hard enough to use as grit. Many of their treats are harder than the oystrer shell and will grind up the oyster shell instead of the other way around.

Good luck!