I'm new to your group

[Kerr]

Wow where to start....
I'm new to your group and new to the world of
Chickens....
I adopted a Hen, 5 egg laying chicks (someday) and 1 meat chick
(which is not going for meat ever) ..he's hilarious
I've learned alot from this site so far.....
At risk of sounding stupid......
I'm going to the co-op today to get grit...
what does it do?

 

[robbobbin]

welcome!
Grit help with digestion.

 

[birdlover]

Hi and welcome to BYC!! You'll love having chickens and will probably end up getting lots more if you hang around here!!!

Just sprinkle their food with it as if it were salt. You don't want to give them TOO much or they could get stopped up. Once they are outside you don't have to give them grit anymore as they will find their own. Have fun with them!!!

Ellen

 

[chickbea]

When chickens eat, it all goes into their crop (you may notice the slight bulge on your chicken's chest after it eats a lot). Since chickens have no teeth, the food needs to get broken down somehow. This is what grit is for - it helps grind up the food so it can continue down the digestive tract. If they are outside chickens, they will pick up enough just while grazing.

 

[silkiechicken]

Be sure to watch meat chick's food consumption if you want meat chick to be healthy. It will literally eat so much and grow so fast it can be prone to things like heart failure and twisted legs.

 

[Kerr]

Thanks very much!
Every morning I go out to hang with the babes and check
the Hen for an egg - you'd think I'd struck gold everytime I find one
I'll add a bit of grit and I think I'll have things under control
Ker

 

[SpottedCrow]

Welcome!!
I always thank Penny and Obelisk for their eggs...and give em a big smooch and a hug.
Good luck with your new babies.

 

[Poison Ivy]

Hi & Welcome to the board & the world of chickens.