I got chick scratch at the feed store and mixed it in with my three day old chicks feed. I also scattered it in the shavings of their brooder. I'm just realizing I didn't add grit anywhere! That was Thursday. I won't be able to see them until Sunday. Do you think it's going to kill them? Would love some advice asap. Thank you!!
I can't honestly say wheter it will or not... What I can tell you is they don't need scratch at 3 days old. All they need is their chick feed. If you want to give them a treat, scramble them some eggs!! Good Luck!
Not having grit should be okay. I never gave my chicks grit, and they've never had it as adults either, although they do free range now. Just having the chick feed is good enough for them - ours survived on chick feed and water for three weeks when we were away, as the person feeding them for us didn't have time to let them outside for a scratch every day.
Our local feed store told us to feed our new chicks scratch for the first 24 hours (after shipping) then mix it into the chick feed. I assume it had something to do with the sugar and encouraging them to eat. We did that, they are healthy and happy 3 week old chicks. They had no access to grit during that time. They also told me it help with pasty butt. Only had one chick with pasty butt. I think there are alot of idea's out there. I think your chicks should be fine. Just make sure scratch is only a rare treat.
Thank you for the replies! I'm feeling a bit better about it. I'll check their little crops first thing tomorrow morning and see if they're at all swollen or hard. Hopefully, a little grit given then will help balance things out.
