[mrs chook]

Hi all, i keep Chooks as you know, but also work in a school. Last week we took charge of "living eggs "- all 10 have hatched & enjoying chick crumbs .
My question is, when will the chicks need grit? And, is it the same grit as adult Chooks?

Thanks

[joyfull]

no too much calcium in young chickens can have an adverse effect. They wont need extra calcium until they are well into their laying cycle.
Just feed them a good quality chick crumb (it must be chick crumb not layers or rearers/growers) to ensure they get the correct amount of vitamins and minerals and fresh clean water.

[snow white]

Grit does not have calcium in it.  Stone does not dissolve.  I think you are thinking of oyster shell.    Sorry, don't know if chicks need grit.

[mrs chook]

Thank you, just wondering about their gizzards etc...

[joyfull]

no they dont need any extra grit - chick crumb is tiny and they can cope with that.
Most people buy grit mixed with crushed oyster shell which is why I said not to feed it - hence the comment about calcium. If the chicks are outside and pecking at the grass they may find tiny stones.