New Chickie Mama. Iv got 4 day old chicks.

[Debbie292d]

Thank you.
Does the water stay in, or do you drain it?

It stays in because the crumbles are absorbing it. Sometimes I've overdid it and see water on the edges so I drain it in that case.

 

[ArraAchicksMama]

I'm planning to dig some soil with grass/clover/weeds, cut the plants short, and let them find their grit there.

Could that work for you?

For 4 day old chicks ?

 

[ArraAchicksMama]

Dirt from your yard.

Just pure dry dirt? For 4 day old chicks?

 

[TwoCrows]

Just pure dry dirt? For 4 day old chicks?

I would avoid dirt until they are older and immune systems have developed.

As for grit, parakeet grit works well. Don't free feed it as they will gorge on it, just sprinkle it on the food.

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC.

 

[Debbie292d]

Just pure dry dirt? For 4 day old chicks?

No, more like for 2-3-week-old chicks, or even older, when you're giving them their first official treat like a bit of scrambled eggs.

We use dirt from our garden that has nothing chemical or artificial in it, but ours is pretty course. If yours is fine dirt, it won't work, but makes great dust baths!

 

[HowIsItDone]

For 4 day old chicks ?

Yes. It won't hurt them plus it exposes them to any coccidiosis in the local soil while I have them on medicated food.

Edited to say, it's a bunch of lawn, cut short, with dirt attached underneath.

 

[swamphiker]

Which chick grit do you suggest ?

I live in a place with sandy soil, so I give them that. I also sift out the regular grit and give them the small pieces out of it after they are a couple of weeks old. I don't buy the chick-specific grit.

 

[DobieLover]

Just pure dry dirt? For 4 day old chicks?

Yes. When broody hens take care of their chicks they have them scratching the ground when they are a few days old.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! It's so nice to meet you!