Iron Oxide makes 'chick grit' RED - bad for my bantam pullets?

[BWchicken]

I have to use chick grit for my bantam flock because regular size grit is too big. I just bought 6 bags of chick grit on clearance from TSC, opened it and it is RED. The ingredient list is:

"Ground Granite Grit, Anise, Red Color (Iron Oxide)"

Isn't extra iron bad for chickens? My bantams eat a lot of chick grit, so will the iron oxide in this red grit hurt them? (I have 6 bags so they'd be eating it long term).

Thanks!

 

[BWchicken]

Wanted to add another quick question please..... IF the iron oxide isn't unhealthy and I do give this red grit to the girls long term, will it affect their eggs color or taste? (I found out the ingredient Anise is a licorice flavoring).

I thought I was getting plain white granite chick grit. If I had known this brand was colored and flavored, I would have saved myself the worry, and NOT bought 6 bags of it!

 

[TheFarmMama]

I don't know about the extra iron for grown chickens but the TSC brand of chick grit is all I've ever given my babies and they're healthy as horses. The red color encourages them to eat it. Can't say about the flavoring...seems like it might influence the taste. Hope someone else has a better answer for you!

 

[saladin]

BW,
If your birds have access to the ground (dirt) they don't need grit. saladin

 

[mstricer]

I've always used chick grit but only on young ones that I introduce treats too. Chances are your banties would get way bigger pellet sized out side.