is it okay for 1 ~ 4 week old chicks to eat grass?

[Gonzo]

I have several baby chicks ranging in age's up to 4 weeks, I feed them regular chick start, but we've been giving them earthworms for treats, also, when we put them in their play yard, they like to nibble on grass. will this hurt them since they have'nt been feed grit yet?

 

[shaggy]

they need grit of some kind

when mine started getting special treats --- i gave them parakeet grit -- they also get as much sand as they feel like eating ... but i don't have real chicken grit yet

 

[TrixiePA]

TSC carries "chick grit', it's crushed granite. don't use the calcium grit b/c their little kidneys can't handle that much calcium yet. Some reccomend sand or dirt from your back yard. I guess Momma chicken would encourage them to pick in the dirt to get some grit.

I gave it freely in a separate dish from 1 week on and would toss in cut fresh lettuce. I also gave crushed oatmeal and cheerios for fun. They usually dump over the grit container but I leave it in until I completely clean out the brooder so they can pick if they need. The granite is colored red too so they can find it.

Good Luck

 

[Gonzo]

OK thanks! I did give them some quik oats I ground down in my blender some... will that work as grit?

 

[rhondapiper]

Oats won't work. Grit = rocks. Chick grit = teeny tiny rocks/sand. I picked up a bag at the feed store.

 

[Gonzo]

okay, thanks so much, I think I'll try parakeet grit, tractor supply is 25 miles away. thanks again for help me

 

[rhondapiper]

Good luck, but as noted above, try to get calcium free.

 

[Gonzo]

will do! thanks!

 

[Labeedoor]

I've been feeding my lil gals grass clipping from day one. They also get the chick grit from TSC. I take a pair of scissors and clip the tops of the grass. My grass is seeding up at this time. I hand feed them. Then they're off to the grass races. I don't use the grass that has been fertilized by my lawn care company. My chicks have also been getting cut up radishs greens and roots. I've been watching their stools no whole chunks coming out. All 27 are always raring to race for the grass.

 

[Gonzo]

your chicks are soooo cute! Thanks so much!!!