Needing to know more about dietary needs and when they change, please.

[SouthernChick]

Rachel'sFlock :

regarding grit~ I have been putting a clump of dirt with grass (dandelions, clover, etc) into the brooder with my 6. they get plenty of grit out of the somewhat sandy soil, get loads of still-living fresh greens, and have hours of entertainment from scratching and finding the odd bug. Seems to be taking the place of grit, adequately, and is a healthy activity, encouraging their natural instincts to scratch and peck.
Just a very cheap (or cheep) thrill.

Bright Blessings

What a neat idea! I have given chicks little bits of clover but never thought of given a whole clump.

 

[grandmaof5]

At what age can I put this dirt/clover clump in with my little girls?

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

I have been giving my ladies dirt clumps for 2 weeks and they are about 5 wks old.
I don't know if that is right, but I have heard of other folks on the forum are putting their little chooks (like tiny babies) outside on the lawn for a 'field trip' and surely they are eating grass and bugs, etc while they are out...???
If they lived outdoors with their Mum they would be in the grass right away, right?
Just my free-association on that subject. Sorry not more cohesive or expert, but I am pretty new to raising chooks.

Bright Blessings

 

[SkyWarrior]

Quote:
I started doing that at 2 weeks or so. They seemed to like it.

 

[ElioraImmanuel]

Cackle Hatchery has a fabulous care and instruction page...

http://www.cacklehatchery.com/page14.html