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Post by themotherhen on May 10, 2015 5:29:45 GMT
Hello! My chicks are 1 week old and eating starter feed only right now. Do they need grit right now? Next weekend I will be taking them outside for brief periods to peck at grass and maybe a few bugs they can catch. What about then? Sorry to ask such a "newbie" question, but, well, I am a chicken newbie! Thank you!
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Post by Mari-in-IN on May 10, 2015 7:53:48 GMT
OK-this is just me - I had never let mine out 'til they were a bit older--but--when I did-I had chick grit available... I never really offered grit until then-but once they start going outside/free-ranging; I always have grit available... Maybe Wendy will give a more definitive answer in regards to giving them grit at a couple of weeks old-I think she gets hers outside pretty early... |
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Post by bergere on May 10, 2015 11:05:18 GMT
About 4/5 days after they hatch, I very lightly sprinkle some grit over their feed. That way they won't fill up on it, but still have enough to process their food.
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Post by Wendy on May 10, 2015 11:21:55 GMT
I am bad because I never add grit to my chicks feed. The guy where I used to buy my feed said the feed has what they need. It won't hurt them at all & probably is good for them. I just always forget to get it. I have oyster shells out free choice for my older hens. They don't eat much of it since they free range.
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Post by Bear Foot Farm on May 10, 2015 20:02:57 GMT
I've never added grit for any birds that get access to the outdoors
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Post by themotherhen on May 11, 2015 1:14:29 GMT
Thanks everyone! I actually ended up taking them out today because it was nice and warm. I forgot to give them shade though and they began acting kind of strange, very quiet and just laying on the ground. I thought maybe the sun was too hot so I took them back inside to the brooder. They did have access to food and water outside, and really enjoyed some worms that the boys dug up for them. Watching them go after those worms was one of the funniest things I have ever seen!!!! I am going to record it next time for sure.
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