To Grit or Not to Grit?

[JSossong]

I purchased a bag of DuMor starter feed for my new chicks (one day old). I read the label and it doesn't mention anything about added grit. It does however claim that it contains "everything my chicks need". Does this mean that I should be adding grit to it? The feed itself comes very finely chopped and my pullets seem to be doing very well with it. If so, how much? And if not, at what point and with what foods do I start adding grit?

Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks
xo

 

[Frankie Ruiz]

Chicks don't need grit since the feed is so fine. I would start giving grit when you change the feed over to bigger things such as pellets. I had my chicks on starter/grower with no grit for 16 weeks until I changed to pellets. Then I put out grit for them.

 

[cafarmgirl]

They don't technically need grit until they start eating anything else besides their starter crumbles.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Grit is not necessary as long as the chick feed is the ONLY thing they are eating - if, though, you start adding "treats" or other foods to their diet, you will need to offer grit. Offer it free choice in a small dish - though you may need to monitor for the first few days of offering it to make sure they don't go too overboard at the expense of eating their food.