Where to get grit at home?

[SillyChick]

Hello

I'm looking for grit for my new chicks, but I can't seem to find any in the stores. Can I use crushed rock from my yard instead?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ibpboo]

I let my chickens run around in my yard and driveway and they find rocks to eat that way

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

mine love the small rocks in our yard.

 

[MissPrissy]

What are you feeding them they they need extra grit? If they are eating commercial feed they don't extra.

Withhold treats a couple weeks to make sure they know the feed crumbles is their common food. After that you can start with yogurt or cooked eggs mixed with their feed for a treat.

You shouldn't need extra grit for new chicks.

 

[hsm5grls]

I'm not sure if this is right or wrong, but it is what I did and my chickens are still alive.....
When the chicks were about 2 weeks old I brought in a large flat dish of dirt from outside. They dust bathed, pecked at, and basically had a good ol time with it. That is the only "grit" they have ever had. We live where there is a lot of dirt, that they always have accesss to..So far so good. They are going on 17 weeks and are all healthy.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

HSM. I think thats fine. if you let a broody hatch them in spring they probly eat dirt or scratch and peck the little rocks. I let mine out when the weather was 50 on monday and they loved being outside pecking the lawn

 

[Yogiman]

I have seen numerous publications that suggest feeding new chicks small amounts of grit to aid in their digestive system. Most of the data was from the hatcheries. Might be considered controversal.

You can purchase a small box ( 1lb.) in the pet bird section at places like Wally World. Instructions are to lightly sprinkle it on the crumbles being careful not to over apply. I have used it now for quite some time with no ill effects.

 

[hooligan]

I was going to make the same comment of the small grit boxes sold at Walmart as Yogi.
I will be getting two new chicks in April and I bought them this http://www.mypetchicken.com/Chicken_Supplies-Poultry_Grit-P53.aspx since they are to be house chickens I will need it when they get older. MPC says 8 wks is when it should be introduced.

 

[Churkenduse]

I found a large stash of builders grade sand not far from my house, and loaded up on it. It was clean, just as clean as the soil in my yard.
Never got them sick. You can purchase builders grade clean sand from a hardware store I think it would be a lot cheaper.

 

[clay]

Out here on the Colorado Front Range our whole yard is grit. (Well, except where it is tumbleweeds or goatheads.<g>)

-Clay