If chicks go outside do they need grit?

[3littlechickies]

HI!

My three chicks are five weeks old and have been outside. So do they need grit to eat fruit? They probably go outside every other day or every two day (just depends on the weather). I want to give them some apple. So do you think I should go get grit? Because they would only eat it for a couple weeks. Or can they have chick grit older then eight weeks old? Thanks so much!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

They don't need grit to eat that I don't think. If your gonna be free-ranging your birds don't worry about grit. They will pick through rocks and gravel (if you have that) and it will do the same affect as grit.

 

[redsoxs]

I agree with the above - my chickens as ALWAYS picking at anything on the ground, driveway, garden, etc. I'm sure they pick up a ton of grit and gravel.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

I always provide grit. My chicken run is all gravel (dirt/sand underneath) but even so I provided a bowl of grit inside the coop. I checked tonight and the bowl was empty. I was under the impression that the chicks would eat if it they needed it, well they are most certainly eating it lol. IMO it's better safe than sorry and a bag isn't that expensive.

Edit to add: When I got my chicks I read an article "True Grit" in a chicken magazine (not sure if you can find it online somewhere). I thought it was a very good article.

 

[3littlechickies]

Thanks Happy Houdan , redsoxs & ChirpyChicks1 !

I think I will give them a little apple tonight and then get them chick grit just to be safe!

Can chicks older then 8 weeks still eat chick grit? Thanks again!

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

They always need it so the gizzard can grind up food. There is chick grit and adult grit (which I think is just bigger). My girls are 15wks and I still use their chick grit, and there is no way I'll use it all up.

 

[3littlechickies]

Thanks! I guess I will be getting some grit tomorrow and wait to give them some apple!

 

[RonC]

Although they are probably picking it up from the ground it doesn't hurt to offer it. At 5 weeks they should be able to handle the regular grit although I don't think it would really matter. It's cheap, my local feed store gives a price break if you buy over 10 lbs. Almost half price.

 

[LoneOak]

You can go ahead and give them the apple or any fruit that you have. They already have enough grit in their systems to process it and they will really appreciate the fruit. Grit mostly stays in their system and doesn't move through quickly like other stuff. They know if they need some and will find some in the yard if they need it. Give them the fruit and don't worry about it if its a week or two before you can get to the feed store and get some grit. Personally I never supplement my birds feed with grit, they get all they need out of the granite that is everywhere in my yard. I do supplement with oyster shell for calcium when they are laying eggs so I get nice strong egg shells.