Sand box in the brooder?

[Cooperkeeper]

How soon can a small sand box be placed in a brooder for dust baths, grit? I have read that some put it in right away and it keeps pasty butt at bay. Any thoughts?

 

[BrattishTaz]

Your chicks won't really need grit until they start eating treats or bugs but give them the sand anyway. They absolutely love dustbathing and it does help with pasty butt.

I only leave it in for a few minutes at a time until they get used to it and don't gorge themselves (my chicks are little pigs

), after a couple of days it can just be left in the brooder.