[mrs chook]

Morning!

I have two 5 week old chicks- currently on chick crumbs. From week 6 I'm going to start mixing growers pellets into the crumbs. My question is, when should they start having access to grit? And, when is best to move them outside?

Thanks in advance!

🐓🐣

[Casey76]

When they go outside I would start with giving then very fine grit - though they will probably be OK if they are on soil/grass.

As for when to put them outside - you could start now, if they are feathered enough - for short periods while it is warm and sunny.  They may need extra shelter/warmth or bringing in at night for another couple of weeks, or until the weather settles a little more.

[mrs chook]

Thanks. So just to clarify, even though they'll be going on to a mix of chick crumbs & growers pellets I will need to give them fine grit when they go permanently (in about 4 weeks)? . Is there a special grit?

[Casey76]

I've never bothered, though you can get fine grit for quail.

If they are scratching on the ground, they will probably pick up enough themselves

[Sassy]

I used to give mine budgie grit which is finer than that for hens   

[mrs chook]

I can't leave them outside as I work all day. Would you recommend that I give them fine grit alongside their mix of chick crumbs & growers? 🐣🐓

[Sassy]

I always offered grit separately 

[mrs chook]

Thanks, just ordinary chicken grit? Or mix with oyster shell?

[Sassy]

A mix of grit and oyster shell I found best and easiest to manage 

[joyfull]

I prefer not to give them oyster shell until they start laying.