When can I use chick grit

[tankernav1]

Our store says it has Manna grit for poultry starting at 8 weeks. Is there anything else I should get instead for ours? They are just 2 weeks now. Is there an actual "chick grit" that says you can start them earlier. I keep hearing such conflicting advice. I want ours to learn to forage well for bugs and grass, worms, etc. so I thought I should start earlier. Plus they just seem bored and I want to give them something to do!

 

[willheveland]

Quote:
Yes,there are 3 sizes

small-chick grit
medium-grower grit
large-is layer or developer grit


you can find some greens they like and throw in with them for something to do.

 

[tankernav1]

But won't they need grit with those greens? I guess the store closest to me doesn't have the chick grit ---maybe I'll have to order some. Bummer.

 

[embkm]

You could also try at Walmart for parakeet grit. It is small enough for young chicks.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Where are you? What is in your soil?

The soil is sandy where I am, plus has lots of limestone. Almost no one sells grit around here, and people around here have been raising chickens for many decades without it.

Granite lasts longer than limestone, I am sure, but if they eat the limestone all the time....

 

[tankernav1]

Oh my goodness, I have no idea what my soil is like. Except that it tends to have clay. We live in central IL just to the east of St. Louis, MO.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

I asked the local feed store what kind of grit to feed little peeps, and when to feed it to them, and they told me the the earliest a little peep should be given grit or treats is 5 weeks old.


The grit they recommended is canary/finch "bird gravel." They said that was the smallest grit they sold. They had parakeet grit too, but they said that was a bit bigger granules, and for the really young birds they recommended starting with canary sized bird gravel.


As for treats, they recommended peas or carrots at that really early age. I guess they meant ground up, but she didn't say.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
You might try talking to your county extension agent.

 

[Delta2 23]

It's strange coz I never actually gave my chicks grit. I suppose the grit was included in the food they ate or something. Anyway we let them outside all day so maybe they got it from the soil or something.

Anyway, we've never bought any grit for them, even now.

 

[LauraSBale]

I get my baby chicks grit from Tractor supply, they have the baby grit there, its red with anise to get the anise helps with stomach up set and gas

I noticed they pooped better and they didn't get pasty butt when i start then on the chick grit w/ corn meal and oat flour.