my first chicks have arrived

[roosterjack]

I just received my first chicks - buff orpingtons and partridge rocks. I lost 13 out of 25 over the first 48 hours but the rest are doing fine and growing like little weeds at one week old. I got my chicks from Meyer hatchery in Ohio and they were great to work with and were happy to replace the lost chicks or give me a refund. being new at this, can someone tell me when I should start giving them grit? Thanks.

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

Quote:
You can start giving them a little grit with their food add it just like you would be lightly salting it.

 

[roosterjack]

Thanks for that info.

 

[BeckyLa]

Congratulations on your chicks! I'm sorry for the ones you lost, it seems like a lot, but hopefully they'll replace them soon.

I like to take a pan and fill it about half full of loose powdery dirt and sand mixed and put in the the brooder. The chicks love to play in it, once they get over the fear of something new. They'll also learn to dust bathe and will have extra grit if they need it. Chick starter includes grit and it's fine if all they eat is the starter. But if you start giving them treats, the extra is needed. Have fun with your babies. They grow up soo fast.