To Grit or Not to Grit

[Missusg]

So, if I am giving my chicks chick starter do I necessarily need grit? I'm gathering that when you start introducing other foods like treats that you should also introduce grit...yes?

 

[Mymrmarty]

You don’t need grit when feeding Chick Starter. When they get a little older and you give them something for a treat just add a little grit then.

 

[Chickassan]

You don't need grit with chick starter. You can however give grit if you want to, doing it early dosen't hurt.

 

[member 373180]

Officially you don't need it if they're only eating feed. Grit is cheap and I figure it doesn't hurt to offer it in a little bowl. Who knows what insect might wander into the brooder and serve as dessert. Or if there's something that looks edible in the litter.....

 

[Chickassan]

Indeed! Mine brood on alfala hay and they find it tasty nearly as soon as they aren't rubbery. We start mealies early too to encourage forageing, all these call for grit. It does make for happy less problematic chicks as well.

Officially you don't need it if they're only eating feed. Grit is cheap and I figure it doesn't hurt to offer it in a little bowl. Who knows what insect might wander into the brooder and serve as dessert. Or if there's something that looks edible in the litter.....

 

[TexiCaliBlues]

Officially you don't need it if they're only eating feed. Grit is cheap and I figure it doesn't hurt to offer it in a little bowl. Who knows what insect might wander into the brooder and serve as dessert. Or if there's something that looks edible in the litter.....

I haven't been offering grit to my chicks, they are 1 and 2 weeks.. I just noticed one chasing a fly around the brooder, and actually catch and eat it! Is this going to hurt the 2 week old chick? Should I start offering grit? All opinions appreciated!

 

[member 373180]

I would. Chick grit won't hurt them, they will take as much as they need. The absence of grit might hurt, depending on what they find. That said, I'm sure your little flycatcher will be fine.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I didn't give my chicks grit till I put them outside at 5 weeks, but I didn't give them anything but Start & Grow feed while in the brooder. Just make sure they don't over indulge.

. Probably better to just sprinkle some around, or on top of feed, instead of putting in a bowl. GC

 

[TexiCaliBlues]

Thank you for the input! I'm going to pick up some chick grit just in case.. The quick little chickie seems fine, but better safe than sorry!!