Trying to get ready for a field trip, please help.

[JodyJo]

My 9 chicks turned 2 weeks old today. I would like to start taking them on "field trips" outside soon.
They are in a brooder in my sun room with lots of pine shavings on the bottom. So far they are only eating chick crumble and one hard boiled egg yolk per day (amongst all of them).
If they go outside I'm sure they will eat other stuff, so I'm guessing they need grit, right? If so, how should it be given? At about 3 days I put a small bowl in there and very shortly after one of my chicks died. I was thinking maybe he ate too much grit?
If I just throw a hand full into the shavings will they actually get much? (Enough?)
Do they need to be eating it for awhile before I take them out?

We are having so much fun with these little peeps, but there is a lot too learn!

my chicks weren't brave enough to venture outside till about 9-10 weeks, good sized by then...they didn't go far from the run, but they immediately ran to the weeds and went crazy! Chick starter dissolves with saliva and water...they need no grit till they start eating other foods, fruits etc if you throw them any....they will get all the grit they need from the dirt....no worries!

 

[graciegoat]

Thanks again to everyone! This board is SO helpful, and friendly.

 

[Farmer Ken]

You can also take some of your crumble feed and spread it like scratch feed in the spot you want to take them out in. Just don't expect them to get to far from the coop or venture to much their first few times out. They are just learning as are you.

Enjoy your field trip. And keep us posted.