Local feed stores out of chick grit, DIY versions? :(

[TwoShepherds]

You'd be surprised what you'll find in your dirt! Mine has a lot of clay so I didn't think I'd get what I did. Maybe strain it outside with a water hose. I did mine in the kitchen sink and it was a mess!

Mine has a lot of clay too, unfortunately. The kiddos will love it if they get to dig in the yard. maybe I'll put them to work, hah!

 

[ManWithChicks]

I know, weird times. I had to drive about 20 miles away to the next town to get the Flock Raiser feed that I give to my older birds. My Tractor Supply has been out of it for weeks. All I can find locally is layer feed (and chick feed). At least they still have that! :-/

Call a feed supply store, most will special order whatever feed you want on their next delivery. Near me it takes about 2 - 4 days to get most special order items.

 

[rayrose]

You can buy it on Amazon.

 

[R2elk]

You can buy it on Amazon.

Way over priced.

 

[jolenesdad]

Just take a shovel and grab a clump of grass with the roots attached. They’ll peck and scratch in the dirt getting the grit they need.

it’s a boredom buster too, and slowly exposes them to things in their future environment they’ll ne

 

[bluemtnwmn]

I also read a post from someone who used a mortar and pestle to break regular chicken grit down to an appropriate size. The number of things I have DIY'd for my chicks surpasses most of my previous several years of DIYing!

 

[Chicken Heel]

I know, weird times. I had to drive about 20 miles away to the next town to get the Flock Raiser feed that I give to my older birds. My Tractor Supply has been out of it for weeks. All I can find locally is layer feed (and chick feed). At least they still have that! :-/

In our area, starter feed has been mighty hard to find. I imagine later in the year when all these chicks that have been purchased during the Covid-19 pandemic mature, it will lead to all the other types of feed getting scarce.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

In our area, starter feed has been mighty hard to find. I imagine later in the year when all these chicks that have been purchased during the Covid-19 pandemic mature, it will lead to all the other types of feed getting scarce.

Yep. I bought some when all of this started (one bag) because I was legitimately expecting an order of chicks. I like starter feed with around 20% protein, and that ran out quick and I haven't found starter feed since then but have been lucky to find grower feed but it's only 17% protein and the chicks are only 3 weeks old.

 

[TwoShepherds]

In our area, starter feed has been mighty hard to find. I imagine later in the year when all these chicks that have been purchased during the Covid-19 pandemic mature, it will lead to all the other types of feed getting scarce.

Ughh, I am worried about that also. The flock raiser I like to give my hens has already gotten harder to find, though so far I haven't seen them running low on chick or layer feed. I have about two bags of extra layer feed for emergencies, but I am trying not to hoard because I don't want to add to the problem. Not sure a bunch of old stale feed would be that great either. I prefer not to feed layer feed, and in the fall I will have a mixed flock of younger and older birds, and my first cockerel (just one if all goes well). Hoping that the suppliers are able to amp up their production. :-/

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hoping that the suppliers are able to amp up their production. :-/

Really depends on where you're at I guess. I've had no issue finding any of the feeds I use, and my stores have said they've had no stocking issues (though they ramped up their orders), but there's definitely a general shortage on other chicken supplies - things like feeders, waterers, chick vitamins, etc.