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OK, do I need to get grit?

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by Momagain1, Feb 27, 2011.

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  1. Feb 27, 2011 #1
    Momagain1

    Momagain1 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    for my chicks?

    I have this:

    purena mills start/grow medicated..

    do I still need to get them grit?
     
  3. Feb 27, 2011 #2
    3chimama

    3chimama Chillin' With My Peeps

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    not until they start eating other food....
     
  5. Feb 27, 2011 #3
    kelseygirl707

    kelseygirl707 Dances with Chickens

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    Quote:They don't need grit until you start feeding treats as far as I know, they need it to break down Bugs and veggies and things. I just bought Cockatiel grit when I started feeding treats.
     
  7. Feb 27, 2011 #4
    ChickensAreSweet

    ChickensAreSweet Heavenly Grains for Hens

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    If you will be giving them treats or if they are going to eat grass, etc. then I would say yes.

    If they will be in a coop or brooder with nothing to eat save the feed, then technically no, according to people's testimonials here on BYC.

    But the McMurray website says at three days to offer grit sprinkled like salt.
    http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chickcare.html

    I always keep my chickens in grit! I have three bags of grit in my garage: size #1, #2, and #3.

    I also like to do it because I SEE them eating pine shavings. Ugh.
     
  9. Feb 27, 2011 #5
    CowgirlPenny

    CowgirlPenny Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I have never used grit for my hens. I use sand.


    But that won't be for a while with this batch of ladies since they are just 6 days old. [​IMG]
     
  11. Feb 27, 2011 #6
    Momagain1

    Momagain1 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    ok; well they just get the plain feed and tear at the paper to get to the pine shavings..but i'm not sure they consume the pine shavings..I just see them pecking..but never paid
    attention to see if they ate it or not..
     
  13. Feb 27, 2011 #7
    ChickensAreSweet

    ChickensAreSweet Heavenly Grains for Hens

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    Pacific NW- where the Douglas Firs grow
    Quote:I don't even know if the grit will help them if they eat pine shavings. I just worry about them getting stopped up or something. Maybe I'm being silly! [​IMG]
     
  15. Feb 27, 2011 #8
    Judy

    Judy Moderator Staff Member

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    Quote:In your location you should have a lot of granite around. It makes a difference what your soil is like, where you live. Around here the "rocks" are limestone which is soft, so I figure they need grit. In East TN I wouldn't buy grit, either.
     
  17. Feb 27, 2011 #9
    CowgirlPenny

    CowgirlPenny Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I just posted the same thing today. I had mine on paper towels and everyone said after three days it was safe to remove the paper towels, so I did and they've had the best time scratching today. It's so cute. At the age of yours, I've been told they should know the food and not eat the wood chips.
     
  19. Feb 27, 2011 #10
    Momagain1

    Momagain1 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    yeah I was doing paper towels due to the ease of cleaning! LOL
     
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