Question about grit

[ChickChickHorray]

Hello all! Newbie chicken keeper here. Our chicks are going on three weeks old, they’re living indoors in the brooder and are on the starter feed. The guy at our feed store said that at three weeks, they’re still too young for grit and that their breaks aren’t strong enough to handle it. On the other hand, I have a book that says they should already be getting grit. So when should we start feeding these little ones grit? We’d like to start giving them treats and know they need grit for that as well. With two contradicting opinions, what do you all do?

 

[sylviethecochin]

There is chick-sized grit that chicks can begin having around hatch, and there is larger sized grit that they should not be having for a while.

If my broody-raised chicks couldn't have grit, they'd all be dead, because they will eat anything if they're raised outside.

EDT: Also, what do their beaks have to do with anything? What are they going to do? Chew it? I think the guy's talking out his tush.

 

[venymae]

+1 to sylvie. Chicks can have small grit right away, and they need it for sure if you feed them treats.

 

[Theladiesandagentleman]

I used chick grit by Scratch and Peck after only after a few days. By the age of your chicks they were getting appropriate treats so needed the grit.

 

[ChickChickHorray]

There is chick-sized grit that chicks can begin having around hatch, and there is larger sized grit that they should not be having for a while.

If my broody-raised chicks couldn't have grit, they'd all be dead, because they will eat anything if they're raised outside.

EDT: Also, what do their beaks have to do with anything? What are they going to do? Chew it? I think the guy's talking out his tush.

This is our first flock so we thought we’d ask the guy at the feed store, he looked so freaked out at the thought of us giving them grit! He told us that it would just be too hard on their beaks! We thought that didn’t sound right either so thought we’d come here to ask for advice! We’d love to start giving them treats but know we need to get them grit first, thanks!

 

[Dayrel]

Yup. Chick grit is required for pretty much any food except crumbles/pellets. Chickens don't have teeth and don't chew on their food to break it down, so their young beaks aren't a factor, but the grit helps them grind up their food in their gizzard. Please watch the following short video to better understand chicken digestive systems.

 

[ChickChickHorray]

Yup. Chick grit is required for pretty much any food except crumbles/pellets. Chickens don't have teeth and don't chew on their food to break it down, so their young beaks aren't a factor, but the grit helps them grind up their food in their gizzard. Please watch the following short video to better understand chicken digestive systems.

Great, thank you!

 

[ChickChickHorray]

Ok, so then we want to go ahead and get our little ones started on grit then! In that case, should we mix it with their food or give it separately? Is there too much or not enough when it comes to 3 week olds? We want to make sure we’re doing this right! Thank you all for the advice!

 

[Dayrel]

Definitely separate. They will naturally pick at it as needed.

If you are buying it, just make sure you get chick grit, which is smaller than adult grit. They'll have advice on the bags about when to switch.

 

[ChickChickHorray]

Definitely separate. They will naturally pick at it as needed.

If you are buying it, just make sure you get chick grit, which is smaller than adult grit. They'll have advice on the bags about when to switch.

Great, thank you! And just keep it out for them all the time? Even if they’re not getting treats?