Question about grit

[Carolinagirl08]

I just wanted to know what age should I give my duckling grit? We bought her 2 weeks ago and the only thing i have fed her is flock starter and I would like to start feeding her different kinds of food.

 

[Mum]

From day one, ideally.

Grit is necessary in their tummies to "grind" and break down their food (think, stomach molars

). If they are outside, they would find little bits of grit naturally when they forage. But, if they are being reared indoors, they have to have it provided for them.

I throw a very small amount into the brooder bedding so my duckling can forage and decide which size and how much she needs. I only use a thimbleful because her cage is cleaned daily.

I do take her for a walk daily and she will often nibble on a piece of mud to extract whatever from it.