When to start grit?

[TheRambler]

As early as you want as long as grit is available. The caveat to this is you only want to feed a tiny amount, like less than 5% of their total diet. Their chick feed has the proper balance of nutrients etc that they need for proper development and altering the amount that they are consuming significantly can hinder proper development. So the occasional treat is ok, but keep it light until they are fully matured.

 

[ktornadoes]

Thanks for the advice everyone...very helpful! When I start my chicks on grit, what is the best way to administer it? Just sprinkle some in their food?

 

[TheRambler]

Thanks for the advice everyone...very helpful!  When I start my chicks on grit, what is the best way to administer it?  Just sprinkle some in their food?

In my case my brooder bedding material is sand. Other options are a small dish of sand, or chick grit from a farm store etc. other options are a clump of sod with dirt and roots and all still attached. Dirt does have grit in it, though your soil type will determine how much but it's probably adequate.

 

[ktornadoes]

Ok thanks! I'm using pine shavings currently in my brooder. I think I'll pick up some chick grit from Tractor Supply and introduce them to it once they hit two weeks old.

 

[TheRambler]

Ok thanks!  I'm using pine shavings currently in my brooder.  I think I'll pick up some chick grit from Tractor Supply and introduce them to it once they hit two weeks old.

Just to reiterate, make sure it is "chick grit" which is smaller than normal chicken grit

 

[azygous]

My chicks are 10 days old and have been on a sand run from day one. They began getting meal worms on day two. They instinctively eat the appropriate sized pebbles under their feet, and they are a lively, healthy little gang of four.

Naturally, they are now just as corrupted by treats as the big girls, crowding the gate when they see the human coming.

 

[ktornadoes]

Do any of you use unfiltered raw organic apple cider vinegar in your chicks water? Figured while I was getting all this good info I'd throw this question out too...thanks again for all the good advice!

 

[thegreatwhite]

i started giving the chick grit at about a week, free choice in a separate container. i started giving them hard boiled egg yolks smashed up pretty good like crumbles at about 2 weeks also, i use the unfiltered raw organic apple cider vinegar with the mother at a rate of 1 TBSP per gallon for the first month. now they're 7 weeks and they get a 1/2 TBSP per gallon

 

[TheRambler]

I too am using Braggs organic ACV with mother at the rate of 1 tbsp/gallon. first time using ACV in the water, so far so good. Chicks are drinking it and have been since i put them in the brooder at 2 days old.

 

[FlyWheel]

GREAT thread! Answered all my questions on chicks, grit and treats in just two pages.

Grass clods, huh? I'll have to give them some. The local TSC doesn't have any chick grit at the moment (one grumpy salesman told me I'm not supposed to give my babies ANYTHING other than starter mash/crumbles until they're fully grown!).