Before I got my babies, I read that giving them sugar in their water would provide them more energy and make them stronger. The ratio I was given was 1/2 cup of sugar to 1 gallon of water. I'm wondering if this is a life long thing or if it was only intended for the first few weeks. All of my chicks are *very* energetic and seem healthy.
I'm also confused about grit. It seems I have read some information that either contradicts itself or, I've read it completely wrong. As I have understood it, grit is stored in the gizzard. It isn't digested at all. I understand the importance of grit as it acts as their "teeth" but the quantity is what I'm confused about. In one article, I read that birds will die without it and the grit should be offered freely. In another, it stated too much grit can cause impaction of the gizzard and the bird will die. I've been using parakeet grit since my chicks are so young with a hatch date of May 25, 2010.
My chicks are on medicated crumbles and they do spend the day outside in a protected, grassy area. Heaven only knows what bugs and things they get into. I give them a Sunday treet of tuna, which they love.
Oh! One other thing! Is pasting a lifelong thing with chickens or, will there come a day when I don't have to catch each one and clean their little hindends?
Please enlighten me!
Thanks in advance,
donna
I'm also confused about grit. It seems I have read some information that either contradicts itself or, I've read it completely wrong. As I have understood it, grit is stored in the gizzard. It isn't digested at all. I understand the importance of grit as it acts as their "teeth" but the quantity is what I'm confused about. In one article, I read that birds will die without it and the grit should be offered freely. In another, it stated too much grit can cause impaction of the gizzard and the bird will die. I've been using parakeet grit since my chicks are so young with a hatch date of May 25, 2010.
My chicks are on medicated crumbles and they do spend the day outside in a protected, grassy area. Heaven only knows what bugs and things they get into. I give them a Sunday treet of tuna, which they love.
Oh! One other thing! Is pasting a lifelong thing with chickens or, will there come a day when I don't have to catch each one and clean their little hindends?
Please enlighten me!
Thanks in advance,
donna