Should I be feeding my cross beak chick grit or tiny rocks?

[willkatdawson]

I have been supplementing what ever little bits of crumble chick feed he's been able to get on his own with three daily feelings of baby parrot formula. I noticed he was lagging way behind his sisters, but since I started supplementing him, he's on his way to catching up.

My question is, should I give him sand or small stones in his food? I see him trying to peck them on the ground and of course he's not successful. At what age do they start eating small rocks, and how much should I give him. I

bought some flax seed yesterday, and wanted to find out about the rocks before I gave him some.


Thanks

 

[nchls school]

There are varying opinions on using grit. If your chick is getting ground or soft foods only he does not need grit. Grit is used in the gizzard to grind hard foods like seeds etc.

 

[willkatdawson]

I was hoping to offer him flax seed but am hesitant until I know if I need to give him some grit?

 

[nchls school]

Giving him grit will not hurt him even if it's not needed. I use oyster shell. Put some in a small dish and let him eat what he wants. With oyster shell, sizes of particles vary so hopefully he will be able to eat it without trouble.

 

[Eggcessive]

You can grind the seeds to give to him. I always put chick grit, and later regular grit out for free choice for my chickens. It costs very little for a small bag, and you can find a 50 pound bag for $10 that will last a long time kept in a container. It's helpful to prevent crop problems, and if they don't need it thy won't eat it. Oyster shell is simply for calcium for laying hens, and not a substitute for grit which is usually granite.