when to introduce grit to chicks not outside yet

[knitjulia]

My chicks are about 4 weeks old. I want to give them spinach leaves and strawberries and other good stuff. They have only been outside a few times because it hasn't warmed up here yet. Is it alright to feed them these things now? Must I supply them with grit to eat these kinds of things? They will have a big coop and giant enclosed run built if the weather ever cooperates They won't need grit when they're pecking around outside in their run, right? Thanks!

 

[Kelsie2290]

I give chicks grit at least as soon as I feed them anything besides plain chick starter. I do feed my chicks treat stuff like that at that age, some people do like to wait longer. As long as you don't overdo the treats (so you don't unbalance their diet) it shouldn't be a problem. Once they are outside, they should find plenty of grit/ gravel in the dirt. In case you haven't seen it, there is a nice chicken treat chart in the Learning Center https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

 

[subhanalah]

You can sprinkle the grit on top of the treats
I sprinkle it on the chicks (2 days old) fermented feed so I can introduce them to different things quickly so they are more easily accepting of new things.

 

[CedarFarms]

I also introduce it as chicks

 

[knitjulia]

Thanks for the information! I will check out the chart

 

[knitjulia]

Thank you! I need to read more about fermentation too

 

[knitjulia]

I guess I'm off to the feed store today Thank you!

 

[pdirt]

An excellent way to introduce your chicks to grit and the outdoors without actually sending them outdoors is to give them a clump of grass. Dig up a small piece if sod, complete with dirt and let them eat it. The dirt will have plenty of chick sized grit as well as introducing their immune systems to the local environs.

 

[JenBoughtHens]

I have a shallow wicker basket of grass with clumps of dirt