when to introduce gritt???

[smcdermott]

At what age do I give them gritt??
They are still on just the medicated starter feed.
At what age do I change that to the layer feed???

 

[FoxHead]

I added grit at about 6 weeks. Mixing small amounts of fine grit in the starter feed worked great. The only bad things I've heard about grit is when a bird decided to eat all grit. That's why I mix it rather than having a pan of grit. Moving them to layer feed is a preference thing just like feeding the medicated foods. If the size of the feed pellets are appropriate for the size of the chick, feed it. Right now, I am feeding my adult birds starter feed for a little more protein because of the very cold temps. I add crushed oyster instead of grit at the moment for calcium. There is nothing to worry about when it comes to feed as long as they are eating. A little more protein for younger birds is good. Layer feed is a good maintenance feed. I haven't fed medicated foods before. If you don't have a large number of chicks, and they are happy/healthy, maybe try another starter feed.
No worries, they will be just fine! Read about growing fodder. It's really easy, and great for the flock!

 

[kmartinez]

mine are two weeks and I have started using grit...I am no expert a newbie but according to what i read it depends what you feed. If you feed starter only u dont need grit. If you are feeding other foods they need grit in their diet. Mine are eating crickets I picked up at the market..plus some veggies, herbs, flax as treats thats why i am offering grit in a small bowl..I heard alot of pros and cons as it being in a seperate bowl verses mixed in food. I can't come up with a conclusion so I put a separate bowl in there that i can take up if i think they r eating to much of it. Havent had to remove it yet seems they just take what they need and go on about their business.