question on feeding chicks during their first 2 weeks

[ttotoole]

1st question: do I need grit if they are just eating crumbles? If so, when to introduce it. Can I use course playsand?
2nd question: when can I begin feeding the chicks bugs, slugs, and snails.
I am a new chicken convert with 2 bard rock and 2 arucana chicks that are now 5 days old.
This forum saved one of my chicks from serious pasting issue. She is doing much better now. I was quite worried.
Very cool site. Thanks in advance for the words of wisdom

ps one other question.
How much light can they take? I am using a heat lamp to provide a comfy brooder. But I feel bad they are in the bright lights all day and night.

Look forward to hearing from the chick experts..

Terry

 

[gritsar]

You add grit once they start eating foods other than their chick starter. Mine were about two weeks old when I introduced them to crickets. Before that they had found a spider on their own. Play sand will work as long as it's clean.
The main problem you could run into with using white light for their heat lamp is pecking issues. It allows them to see subtle differences in each other and chickens will peck at anything different. If you are really concerned about it try to find a red heat lamp bulb. It's provide the heat without the glaring light.