What's the right grit?

[chicky78]

I went to TSC today to get some grit for my 6 week old chicks. An employee advised me on the crushed granite, but I'm wondering if it's too large? I want to start feeding treats soon and I need to make sure they have grit...but is this too large for them? or does it matter? any input would be very helpful

 

[wisewings]

The granite grit sold at stores is too big for baby chicks just starting out with treats. Lots of others use the parakeet grit found at walmart or grocery stores. Play sand (just go a local park?) works good too. I filled a shallow shoe box with some backyard fine dirt, added some ashes from my fireplace and some of the parakeet grit and they went wild. Then I added some play sand to the mix, and now they are dust bathing in it. (the babes are 3 weeks old now) Start slow when adding treats. One new thing at a time to check for any unusual reactions. Yogurt and hardboiled or scrambled eggs don't need grit, but eventually you will need it for other treats. Good luck.