One more grit question...

[dulcimer lady]

Y'all are probably getting tired of me asking about grit, I think this is the third question about it I've had. It seems that in some posts I see people saying that they are using parakeet grit for their chicks and they are happy using it. But in other threads, I've seen people saying to never use parakeet grit as it's not good for the chicks. Hence my confusion.

Also, I've looked at my local TSC (the *only* place I have to buy supplies as we are in the boonies and any other store is an hour away) and they don't have the super fine grit for the chicks. Only the stuff for the grown up birds. But I could find parakeet grit at my Wal-Mart.

Better yet, I know I saw someone on here say they went to Lowe's and got contractor's sand? So I could take the trip to Lowe's for that and buy a large amount and be set for a long time. (What's the difference between contractor's sand and any other kind of sand?) So would sand be ok to use?

As I said, I'm confused. Please help set me straight.

 

[Falcon61]

They'll get all the grit they want if they have access to dirt. Atleast mine do.?

 

[Falcon61]

They eat rocks of different sizes, large and sand size to grind food. Some of the grit in turkeys you would call rocks.
If there outside I'd just give them oyster shells for egg shell production. If you watch them outside you'll see them eating just the right size piece of dirt over and over.

 

[teach1rusl]

All I can say is that I did use parakeet grit for my chicks, and my girls are happy, healthy 8 month olds now, so it certainly didn't affect their health. You will hear a WIDE variety of opinions here on BYC, because everyone's experiences with chickens has been a little (or a lot) different. Some folks say "NO citrus for chickens." But many others (including myself) occasionally give some orange or tangerine to their birds with no ill effects. Some add a heat lamp in really cold winter weather, while others say that's bad for the chickens. You've got to weigh the range of answers, and then use your best judgement...

 

[Imp]

Quote:
There is not a problem with parakeet grit unless it has been fortified with calcium. Excess calcium for a long time can cause kidney problems in chicks. You would need to check the label on the parakeet grit.
Contractor sand is usually coarser than play sand and has a variety of sizes so the chicks can pick what size they want. Some people use play sand. Play sand is screened, more uniform size. Some people think the play sand goes through the chicks rather than stay in the gizzard.
If you are feeding chick starter and NO treats then you don't need grit.
And don't stress over it. When I had chicks I didn't know about grit, they didn't get any for the first few months with no problems.

Imp