pet store grit for chicks? 4&5 days old.

[chickpip]

Can you use grit from the pet store for chicks? If so what kind? We can get actual chick grit but the pet store is closer than the feed store... We don't have any right now because the chick starter has grit in it. We are going to be giving them other things the peck and play with so we thought they should have some more grit than just whats in their feed.

 

[wolftracks]

Never used food with grit in it already, but that should be enough. I'm kind of a worrier about that to, so I put regular grit into an old spice jar and sprinkle a little bit out in the area their treats are in. Only the tiny pieces come through the holes. Don't sprinkle too much though or they will fill up on it.

 

[msdoolittle]

I have never used grit with my chicks. I use the 'HomeGrown' non-medicated starter crumbles. Grit isn't necessary to raise baby chicks, and can prove dangerous if they consume too much. I also have never given grit to my adult birds, but of course, they are outdoors and have plenty of access to sand, etc. The gizzard really is an amazing thing. Frankly, I wouldn't worry about grit.

 

[chickpip]

Quote:
The chick starter came with grit in it.... what is wrong with that?

 

[MelissaR]

Be careful with pet store grit. If it's for parakeets and such, it usually has added calcium. If you're feeding a starter/grower ration, the chicks are getting enough calcium from that. The additional calcium can cause problems with their kidneys.

 

[anniem]

Ugh! I thought others had said that small bird grit was okay! I'll have to check on the calcium. And some places I read "always have it available" and some here have said to give it spariningly....I'm so confused!
As for the grit in crumble, I thought that crumble was a texture that just doesn't require the use of grit.
I've been giving some grit (parakeet) to my 3.5 week olds after I give them a treat.

 

[8HesperiaChickens]

I hope things will be okay...I have been adding parakeet grit to the chick starter because the chicks and a couple of ducklings were eating some of the shavings as well as their food. Thought they might need it to help digest the wood.

 

[wolftracks]

Quote:
The chick starter came with grit in it.... what is wrong with that?

Nothing that I know of, I've just never even seen it. Honest, I never have. But if it's already there, they should be getting enough.
Until mine are out of the brooder I grind their crumbles and although I don't give grit often, when I do I use my shaker. Very little comes out, but makes me feel better. LOL. I probably only do that though 4 or 5 times during the time they are in the brooder.
I do offer grit to my big kids, but usually just sits since they are out most of the time. I offer it seperately just like I do for oyster shell. I also take babies out if the weather is nice to let them scratch around. That usually takes care of their need for grit.
I wasn't saying anything you were doing was wrong though. Just that if there was grit in their food, they probably don't need more.
Remember there are tons of chicken people. Just because someone else does something different doesn't make it right or wrong for you. If you do something that ends in your chickens being healthy and happy, you must be doing the right thing.