It will be warm tomorrow so the chicks will be able to go out in their run - there is lots of grass there.
Want to provide some grit for them but not sure what kind. I think I remembe no Oyster shell at this age? I bought a small bag of Manna Pro Insoluablecrushed granite grit. Is that the right kind? If not what should I get? Am still paranoid about the impacted croup.
they're going to love being out in the sun tomorrow!
Grit, what kind?
The granite sounds great!
Actually I don't think oyster shell is classed as grit. It is meant to supplement calcium for layers. Younger birds will suffer abnormal bone growth if their calcium levels are too high.
This is a nice site that briefly discusses this and a lot more. Sort of a primer for keeping chickens.
http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/chickens.htm
Thank you! It looks like I have this little part correct.
I was thinking about your "grit pigs" comment. Seems like it should be on a t-shirt, or have an entire clothing line "Grit Pig." Quality, durable clothing to work in the yard or coop, cute enough to wear for a quick trip to the TSC and maybe even Happy Hour. It could work.
Okay, I have a part grit, part feed question. My husband bought layer feed for my 2 1/2 month old chickens. They're clearly not laying yet. So we fed it to them anyway, but I guess maybe it will have too much calcium after reading this thread. I also haven't given them grit yet, but does normal crumble food (not starter) have what they need grit-wise like starter does? Also, we're almost done with their run. Yesterday, I let my birds out for a few hours free-range, and they were munching greens and bugs, but I didn't put out any grit. I'm really unsure about how to go about the grit business and when to use it. My husband also asked, if high calcium feed is only appropriate for laying hens, what happens to the roosters (same age) if they eat it? Thanks (sorry for the hijack!).
Eileen
If they are free ranging they are probably picking up grit on their own...though offering more is always good.
They don't need grit when they are only eating chick starter or chicken feed.
Apparently the roos do okay, they are adults and their bones are already formed. It is just when the chicks are in active bone growth that the excess Ca can cause problems. Calcium levels affect many metabolic systems.