How much do i give grit to my chicks?

[lil_chick_chick]

How much grit do i give my chicks? There are 25 of them. I know that i only give it to them if they eat something besides chick food but im not sure how much to give.

 

[lindseythefork]

Just put a container of it next to their food and they'll eat it that way.

 

[lil_chick_chick]

Thank you!

 

[lisahaschickens]

actually... how old are they?

If they are very young, and you give them a container to eat free choice, some might fill up on grit instead of food and that is harmful. When they are new babies, most places suggest sprinkling it like salt our their food once daily, starting on their third day. When they get older, you can switch to free choice. Be sure to use special "baby grit" which comes ground into smaller pieces.

 

[TabbyChickens]

Is two weeks old enough to give them grit free choice?

 

[Apyl]

Mine have had free choice sand from the yard since they were about 2 weeks old, probubly a little before. I havent had any issues.

 

[felidaet]

I put a container of chick grit in the brooder when they are about 1 week old. I leave it in there all the time after that. The first day they have it they may eat quite a bit but then it drops to just a little bit once in awhile. And as someone else said, use chick grit. I don't sprinkle it on their food. I have heard that this encourages them to eat too much of it. Like many topics here on BYC, different people have different opinions.