Grit?

[ddcoyne]

Our chicks are about 5 weeks old. We take them into the run and let them play. They are starting to eat bugs and stuff when they are out there. Otherwise, all they eat when they are in their pen is chick feed. Since they are getting bugs and grass outside, I told my husband to get some grit from the feed store. However, the old man at the feed store told him they don't really need it. But I see lots of you guys telling people to give thei chicks grits. What should I do? Who's right?

Thanks!

 

[Fred's Hens]

If they are outside, then they are also picking up pebbles, sand, dirt, etc and thus get all the grit they need.

 

[ddcoyne]

That makes sense! Thanks!

 

[ScissorChick]

If they are eating anything other than starter, they should be

getting grit. Though like Fred's Hens said, if they're outside, they should

be eating lots of pebbles, dirt, sand etc and getting what they need that way.

I normally put a bowl of grit in the pen anyways, though

ScissorChick

 

[Fred's Hens]

My whole farm is "grit". Ignore the slight covering of grass, etc. To a chicken, it is grit covered world.

 

[constance]

Offering chicks grit won't hurt and it is cheap. If you offer it free-choice (they have access to it if they want it all the time) they can decide and you can stop worrying. Do make sure they also have plenty of chick food, too. You don't want them to replace nutritious food with grit. If there is another feed store nearby give them a call and see what they say. Mine offers "small bird" grit and regular grit, and both are different from the oyster shell that they will need when they start laying. Yes, they should get it outside, but it won't hurt them to have it available.

 

[F106A]

So is there a point when grit is too early? I've got my 12 chicks in a 5' x 3' brooder in my garage/man cave. I spend a lot of time out there anyway (including the pre-brooder days of course) with the garage door open, and all sorts of assorted bugs get in there when the sun goes down. I immediately thought that when I close the door, and shut off the overhead light, those bugs will go straight for the red brooder light, die, and fall into the brooder. I've even already watched a couple of the chicks grab a fly during daylight hours! (The others get very jealous, and chase after the "winner"! It's very funny to watch!)

Anyway, the chicks are 2-and-a-half weeks old so I haven't introduced grit yet. Should I start sprinkling a bit on their starter in the feeder? I really don't think they are getting very many bugs, but this thread has got me thinking.

TIA,

Mark

 

[BrattishTaz]

Quote:
You can put a dish of sand/dirt in the brooder. They will eat some and dust bathe in the rest.