Newbie!

[hvntgtaclu]

Hello all! As my title stated I am a newbie to keeping chickens. I am starting a small flock of 6 birds that will stay at no more than 6 birds. They are now 6 weeks old and about ready to go outside. Awesome experience for myself and the kids so far! The coop will be placed inside a run. I live in Southern New Jersey where the soil is mostly sand . The coop and run are going to be placed on a mostly bare area with some moss. I would like to know if the birds will use the available Sandy soil as grit or do I need to provide grit for them? The local mom and pop farm supply is telling me that I need to supply grit but I am skeptical. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

John

 

[sourland]

Good morning, John, and welcome to BYC. Free range birds rarely need additional grit, but confined to a pen they will soon utilize all the 'best' grit available. Eventually it might be a good idea to provide additional grit. Good luck with your new flock.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, John, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Get the grit. It's cheap and they need larger sharp piece of grit than sand can provide.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site (how to upload photos too):

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops.

What exactly did you Google to get here? <<<<<<<<<<<Click there to go to the thread.

BYC has an APP!

 

[john_wrightson2003]

Ya, get the grit. #bettersafethansorry
Welcome to BYC and best of luck with your new flock.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC and congrats on your new hobby.

Here are some links to key resources:

• List of guides on how to use the site - announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3
• Great resource for beginners = https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/learning-center.11/
• Good starting point for browsing the site - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/
• Interesting feedback on how members manage their flocks -https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archives
• Excellent source of local information - Find your State's thread.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[hvntgtaclu]

Thanks everyone, I bought this even though I was skeptical. I'm guessing I can get it for a better price in larger amounts at tractor supply. This was $9 for a 5 pound bag

 

[hvntgtaclu]

Hi and welcome to BYC and congrats on your new hobby.

Here are some links to key resources:

• List of guides on how to use the site - announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3
• Great resource for beginners = https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/learning-center.11/
• Good starting point for browsing the site - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/
• Interesting feedback on how members manage their flocks -https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archives
• Excellent source of local information - Find your State's thread.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

Thanks!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community! Best wishes and have lots of fun!

 

[fldiver97]

Welcome Nice to have you here! The chick grit is ok for little ones, a bit more pricey than the ‘regular’ grit. Once your little flock is a couple of months old just get the basic grit, it usually comes in larger sturdy paper bags