When is a good time to introduce grit?

[Kingerrrr]

I have heard mixed statements on this, when is a good time to introduce grit? I have a biology background and understand its purpose so my thoughts would be sooner the better, let me know when you introduced your chickies to grit and how it went.

Thanks

 

[Nambroth]

I offer very small quantities of grit right away, because my starter feed is a whole grain mash (whole grains milled into small enough pieces for the chicks to eat). The key is limited quantities, if you do offer it early, because they are still learning what is food and what is not. The biggest concern with offering very young chicks grit is that they will over eat it and become impacted. Gradually they will learn not to over-eat it, but at first one must take great care. Since I am raising them in a brooder instead of under a hen, I offer each chick just a few pieces of chick-sized grit individually so I can monitor how much they get.

If you are feeding a starter crumble then grit isn't necessary (since crumble just turns to mush when it mixes with liquids in their crop/GI tract) until they eat something that needs "chewing", so to speak. Most people do this when they start to offer treats.

 

[Kingerrrr]

I offer very small quantities of grit right away, because my starter feed is a whole grain mash (whole grains milled into small enough pieces for the chicks to eat). The key is limited quantities, if you do offer it early, because they are still learning what is food and what is not. The biggest concern with offering very young chicks grit is that they will over eat it and become impacted. Gradually they will learn not to over-eat it, but at first one must take great care. Since I am raising them in a brooder instead of under a hen, I offer each chick just a few pieces of chick-sized grit individually so I can monitor how much they get.

If you are feeding a starter crumble then grit isn't necessary (since crumble just turns to mush when it mixes with liquids in their crop/GI tract) until they eat something that needs "chewing", so to speak. Most people do this when they start to offer treats.

Great, thanks a lot for your reply. I think I will start giving them incremental bits of it this week or next. They definitely know what their food is! I've been wanting to give them some treats so now would be a good time to start giving them a little bit of great.

Thanks again! Still a newbie here but my chicks are looking happy and healthy as can be...surprisingly they love my dog, and she loves them...lays beside their brooder all day.

 

[Nambroth]

That sounds great! And, my wording might not be the best. Very young chicks are learning what is and is not food, but "is not food" can sometimes come too late if they eat too much of the wrong thing. When they are very young they often will peck and sample anything, and sometimes can mistake grit for something that they should eat a lot of, and become impacted if there is free-choice grit. It doesn't always happen, but it's very depressing if it does because there is not always much one can do to help the tiny chick. It sounds like you have a good handle on things though! Good luck with your new chickens!