Parakeet grit for chicks?

[jjhere]

I don't live close to a feed store and am wondering if I can pick up grit at a pet store for my 2 week old chicks (as well as some mealworms

). Would parakeet grit work or would that still be too big?

Thanks.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

Here's what I do, and I've never EVER had a crop related problem... I take my shovel, dig up a shovel of yard, and stick it in their brooder. they eat the grass, bugs and dirt, and the dirt acts as grit, only totally natural, just like mama'd give them!

 

[naturababe]

i have read that parakeet grit is fine for chicks - in Storey's Guide to Chickens.

 

[SoJoChickens]

Most parakeet grit has calcium added to it and calcium is not good for chicks (creates kidney problems).

 

[StormyMoon]

I was wondering about this to, so I will watch this thread see what info you get

I wanted to free range my chicks, in mexico my mother in law she just crushes corn up for her chicks and thats all and they lay a lot of eggs daily.
But I have never seen her give grit or anything else. I think the same about what was said about dirt its more natural...

 

[naturababe]

hmm, i was wondering about the calcium too. doesn't it also have charcoal is that bad for the chicks too?

 

[gritsar]

If you're going to buy the parakeet grit for chicks you need to look for the kind without added calcium. It's out there, but sometimes you have to search for it.
Or, if you have a gravel driveway or road, you can do what I did. Just go out and scoop up a pan full of gravel and dirt and let the chicks pick out the small pieces of gravel. Just make sure it isn't soiled with fluids that might leak from under a car.

 

[jjhere]

We took the chicklets out into the backyard today (WELL supervised) and plopped them on the grass. It was like they were on chick crack - they went crazy pecking at everything, scratching - sheer ecstasy.

 

[Jasmine1998]

I used the parakeet grit they sell at wal mart without any problems.

 

[catdaddy66]

Quote:
Ditto