Natural soil as grit?

[Kiki]

I actually use a small box or sometimes a cake pan...fill the bottom about an inch high with the "stuff" from the yard.
So I don't actually mix it with the bedding..just place it in the brooder on top.
make sense?

 

[barred2rock]

I actually use a small box or sometimes a cake pan...fill the bottom about an inch high with the "stuff" from the yard.
So I don't actually mix it with the bedding..just place it in the brooder on top.
make sense?

I gather it's safe for them to eat whatever small partials they're finding in it? They immediately started pecking at it and appeared to be eating small bits. BTW, didn't add the ash, because it's still hot from this morning. Lol

 

[Kiki]

I gather it's safe for them to eat whatever small partials they're finding in it? They immediately started pecking at it and appeared to be eating small bits. BTW, didn't add the ash, because it's still hot from this morning. Lol

I would have to say yes it is ok. The next person might totally disagree.
It's all up to you.
Do you think it's safe?

If you plan on free ranging them at all, even if for 30 mins a day...what do you think they are going to eat?

Let the babies have fun!

 

[barred2rock]

I would have to say yes it is ok.  The next person might totally disagree.
It's all up to you.
Do you think it's safe?

If you plan on free ranging them at all, even if for 30 mins a day...what do you think they are going to eat?

Let the babies have fun!

Will do

, thanks again!

 

[lazy gardener]

I would hesitate to use wood ash in the brooder if it's in the house. Nothing wrong with doing so. But, I have asthma, and would not want the dust from that in my house. My chicks brood outside anyways. You can either put that sod right in the brooder, right on top of the bedding, or put it in a container. I toss it right on the bedding. I don't clean out my bedding, merely add more to keep it fresh.