When do I introduce grit to chicks????

[Peggy O]

I have a small bag of chick grit, It was $4 at TSC.

 

[Jewellan]

Well I am completely confused now. But I have more information about the confusion.

 

[3riverschick]

Well I am completely confused now. But I have more information about the confusion.

There is no need to be confused. The advice I gave you is time honored.
Just Google "chicks need grit" if you don't believe me.

6 Steps to Chick Grit Success

1. Chicks need grit if they are eating anything other than plain chick feed.
2. Put the grit in a small bowl.
3. They will eat it when they need it.
4. Poultry people have been doing this way for decades.
5. There is no "dose per chick per day". Just keep a small bowl with them.
6. You can give them chick grit anytime after 4 days old regardless of what you are feeding them.
Easy Peasey,
Karen in western PA

 

[JekkaLynn]

I bought parakeet grit and waited till night when they all had full stomaches to give them some in a bowl. They all pick at it a bit but doubt fill up on it. That is for my two week olds

For my new tiny babies I put a cube of soft watermellon in the pen sprinkled with grit and chick starter so they can nibble at it if they want it. I waited till they had full stomaches to offer it.

 

[Chuckcluck]

So here is my Chick Grit Story. I have 12 chicks that have been on Chick Starter and are doing fine. But to relieve the boredom in the coop, I start feeding them dandelions. Then I think "How are they going to digest that?" So I look at the grit I bought at TSC and it is like pebbles. I decide its too big so I go to Agway and ask for chick grit. They bring out a bag that is like 25 pounds of sand. Well at least I will have chick grit for the grandkids. Like it says on the bag, you can offer grit after 2 days old and they will take only what they need. Otherwise, there would be a lot of chicks filled with rocks. I'm a geologist by trade, so shoot me.

 

[Actually]

What if you are raising them on sand in the brooder and the run will have a sand floor?

 

[JekkaLynn]

Depends on the type of sand. It needs tiny pebbles on it for them as they get older.

 

[Actually]

Its "play" sand. Pretty fine stuff.

 

[JekkaLynn]

You should probably get them some actual grit if they are eating anything other then chicken feed.

 

[SeanaL]

My 5 week old are out in a run. I'm pretty sure they get grit from the ground. Mind you I haven't given any tests besides a chunk of sod with dirt intact