What age regular grit?

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi guys! I'm so glad I can come pick y'all's brains whenever I have a question or problem, you are all so helpful! So what I am wondering today is, can I give my 9-week old chicklets the same grit I give my adult hens? I am out of the baby grit and can't get any for a couple of days.

They do have plenty of access to regular dirt in their run, where grass still grows and bugs abound. In addition to their growth crumbles, available 24/7, we have been tossing them a handful of scratch grains twice a day, and oh my, do they LOVE that!

So whattaya think? Thanks for your help.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

In addition to their growth crumbles, available 24/7, we have been tossing them a handful of scratch grains twice a day, and oh my, do they LOVE that!

Access to dirt is plenty of grit IMO.

Also though... maybe lay off the scratch some or make sure it is a VERY small amount and use it a personal thing to draw them in when you want.. it's like tossing a candy bar to a toddler. Tasty but lacking in nutrients... with only about 7% protein usually and no added vitamins or minerals and importantly amino acids added in scratch that our regular feed does... diminishing protein too far can have negative effect including delayed onset of lay. Feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids. They will still go through some juvenile mini molts before reaching maturity.

Also... if you don't have a light on... the only thing that eats 24/7 is rodents. Chickens don't eat in the dark, they stay put.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi, @EggSighted4Life - thanks for your response. I don't think the chicklets are eating at night but I don't know for sure. There is a tiny night light in there, otherwise it would be pitch dark once I close them up and they would not be able to find places on their little roosts. There may be tiny cracks that let daylight in, I haven't locked myself in to check but maybe I should. If so, then the chicklets can start nibbling in the morning if they wake up before I get out there to open them up. I move a little slowly of a morning.

 

[blackdog043]

Yes, nine week old chicks can have poultry grit.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, nine week old chicks can have poultry grit.

Thanks

 

[rosemarythyme]

There's usually a good variety of sizes in "adult" size grit so 9 week olds should be able to find pieces that are suitable for them.