When to start feeding chicks

[Simeo]

Actually, given the opportunity, baby chicks and they will start "dusting" right away.Though I think it's pretty much worthless against mites or worms DE is perfectly safe for dusting or eating.

Off.... your.... rocker.

We had a horrible infestation of mites in our coop for a few weeks. I dusted the entire coop down, put some DE in the food and rubbed the chickens vents with DE (where all the mites were congregating) and did nothing else. 2-3 days later there were no mites and we still don't have mites to this day.(3 months later)

DE is worth it not in my opinion... but in my experience.

Edit: Sorry to hijack the thread. To better answer the question I wouldn't see any reason to give chicks DE except for dust bathing. I wouldn't think you'd have mite issues until they're much older.

 

[RonC]

As you can tell we have differing opinions on some things.

When they start eating solid foods, other than their starter, they will need grit from some source. Many poeple just let them pick small rocks up from the ground or sand. Sand they will also use to bathe in. I give mine some grit on occasion to make sure they get an adequate supply. Chick grit is finer than what you would give adult chickens. Do not use pet store grit, it contains calcium which is not good for chicks. Adult chickens once they have started laying require more calcium for egg production. The additional calcium can be given to them by feeding them layer feed or just offer it "on the side".

I have never used DE but have have considered using it. Some say it is a way to control small parasites without using pesticides. I understand the theory of how it works and sounds reasonable. Use food grade DE, not the kind for swimming pools.

 

[debid]

I'm curious to know what brand of chick starter contains grit? I haven't seen it in on an ingredient label and I've read the labels on all of the brands available here.

The reason grit isn't needed when chicks are eating starter is that it's already finely ground. But if a person starts giving their chicks other foods, they should absolutely make grit available.