When and what grit?

[WilczenskiFarm]

I've looked alllllll over for related posts, I swear! I didn't find my answer...so here's my question:
I have 3 week old chicks and I've read other posts about people already giving them bugs, noodles, etc. But do they need grit in their crop for this? If not, when? and what do I use? (or where do I get it?)
When can we venture out (weather and temperature permitting) and eat grass/weeds?
Thanks everyone for putting up with the new kid on the block
Amy

 

[faykokoWV]

I have starter grit in my brooder for the chicks (2 weeks old tomorrow) to eat if they want it. I bought it at a local feed store and it actually says "starter grit" on the package. I'm not giving them treats yet other than some plain yogurt. I plan on putting them in an outside brooder this coming weekend. It has a heat lamp on one end and sets right on the ground so they can get at the dirt,bugs, grass and what ever. I've read a lot of posts that say you don't need grit if they are outside, but the way I look at it, as cheap as it is i might as well have it for them if they want it.

I'm sure others will chime in with advise

 

[WilczenskiFarm]

AHHHH - very cool! I will do that!
I agree...if its cheap enough and it helps, then why not?!
Thank you!!!!

 

[cafarmgirl]

You can also use parakeet grit at this age if you have trouble finding chick grit. I don't know what stores you have locally but Tractor Supply usually sells chick grit. About 10 weeks old you can graduate to regular chicken grit. Mine peck around at the pebbles outside but I notice they do use the grit I put out.

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

Mine are 4-weeks old. I know what you mean about having a hard time finding specific guidance re grit.

I have a box of playground sand in the brooder for my four chickens, which they love for taking dust baths in but they also eat it. I was told that the sand = grit. Hopefully that's true.

I also have some "bird gravel" I got at the pet store, for parakeets/cockatiels/parrots. I got it because it does NOT have calcium in it and I think we aren't supposed to give the chicks calcium until 20 weeks or so.

As far as food, my girls are getting starter and I sometimes mix in plain yogurt. I've also given them shredded cheese, which they liked at first but are now ho-hum about, but they're quite excited about meal worms, which I've given them a few times. This morning I gave them some cut-up hard-boiled egg white and they went nuts for it.

 

[WilczenskiFarm]

You guys are the best! I can't thank you enough... I can't wait to get some chick grit tomorrow and give them some treats! The sand bath is a cool idea too... I bet they'll love that!
2 or 3 of them are already attached to me, even without the treats in hand, so I'm psyched! I have a RIR who automatically jumps into my hands and climbs up my arm and sits on my shoulder for what seems like hours. Love that girl!
Thanks again guys...I feel way more confident and can't wait for tomorrow!!!
Amy