Is chick grit fine for older pullets?

[Emma Miriam]

Hi everyone! Quick question. I only have three chicks (currently 7 weeks old), and I had bought a 5 lb bag of chick grit...7 weeks ago. The chicks are outside now and are going through the bag quite slowly, as would be expected. Here's my question: can I keep giving them the chick grit until the bag is empty before buying a larger poultry grit? I don't know how long that will take, but I'd imagine this bag will last at least 6 months. I'm fine with spending $6 extra in order to get them the right stuff, but maybe the chick grit is fine, even for older pullets?

Some background info: they're all LF (Brahma, Easter Egger, Sussex), and they're in a 3x4 coop with dirt floor and a 12x4.5 covered run.

Thanks!

 

[sourland]

Buy some of the larger grit and mix the chick grit in with it - that'll work.

 

[Emma Miriam]

That's a great idea!! Then I don't have to waste any. When did you switch to poultry grit? 16 weeks? Or earlier?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

With a dirt floor they scratch up their own grit. The only time I supplement is frozen ground winter. In fall i gather up very coarse sand from driveway into a small pail then toss a handful in run about every two weeks.

 

[Emma Miriam]

Thank you. I know they're likely picking up their own grit...I guess I'm just playing it safe. You're right, I imagine they'll go through more in the winter.

Thanks both of you for your input!