Will I Need Larger Grit?

[3KillerBs]

I live in the NC Sandhills where the ground is nearly-pure, fine, white, quartz sand just like you'd find in a beach dune (during the Miocene this was prime oceanfront). From what I read, this will meet their need for chick grit nicely as they scratch around.

But as they grow (currently almost 6 weeks), will I need to purchase larger grit? There are no pebbles, rocks, gravel, etc. here other than in people's driveways.

 

[Ridgerunner]

No, you don’t need to purchase anything. They’ll find bigger chunks that you would think possible. Plus, they’ll just eat more if they need it. All grit gets ground down in size to fine sand and then passes through their system. Yours will just start out further along that ground down condition.

Chickens have been finding their own grit in conditions much worse than yours for thousands of years. There is no reason for you to worry about that.

 

[donrae]

I agree, it sounds like you're naturally set for grit!

 

[3KillerBs]

Thank you. I was wondering if the lack of larger pieces would be a problem when they were older. Glad to know that grit is something I don't need to worry about.