Put dirt from our Organic Garden in brooder? Please advise.

[ShamanRawb]

I was thinking about putting a softball sized chunk of dirt from the ORganic garden into the brooder. I was thinking they could peck it apart and find the bugs and worms. My brooder is actually a refrigerator box on its side so it's quite large. The chicks are about 6-10 inches long now. I would actually put a waterproof tray in one corner, cover it in bedding (corncob) so it's inconspicuous and then lay the dirt clod there so it won't make the cardboard bottom wet. I will be doing a bedding change today or tomorrow anyway.
Does this sound safe?
Thanks all,
Rob

 

[chicmom]

Rob, why not give them a clump of dirt with some grass attached? They will love it! Believe it or not, they will eat the grass AND the dirt. And they will really enjoy pecking it apart. Just be careful to use dirt that hasn't been poo'd on by a dog or other animals.

I often give my chicks a clump of dirt with grass and the roots from grass attached. It's great entertainment for them.

Sharon