[Frothgar]

We have new (3-week old) Silkies.  Could anyone please tell us how much ACV to add to their water, and at what age should we make grit available to them? (we've got Belgian 'Antwerp Natural Grit' is that o.k.? - it's got a picture of a pigeon on it  ).  Thanks for any feedback.

[compostqueen]

ACV is added to their water to ward off internal parasites but there is a thead  on here as to whether it has any effect.  I add it to their water as they really like it and it encourages them to drink on hot days which is what you want as it helps make eggs    I add about a tablespoon per large water pot (Omlet Glug)  It is the unfettered ACV available from pet shops and the like. NOT supermarket cooking vinegar which is pasteurised and refined. You want the stuff with all the lumps and bits in it. I drink it with a bit of orange juice and sparkling water 

Grit wise, I use Ostrea brand which is all oystershell. I don't know when chicks have it but someone on here will be along in a minute and put you right on that question    You can buy a mixed grit which has added oystershell as well

[darkbrowneggs]

HI -

Birds need insoluble grit to grind the food as they do not have teeth to chew.  Free range birds will pick up their own bits of stone but confined birds will need flint or granite grit or something similar this acts in the gizzard and always them to digest food.  Birds need grit from day one, so make sure any chicks you have always have chick grit available.

Once birds start to lay there is a heavy demand on their bodies for calcium to make the egg shells, so then oystershell, shell grit, ground limestone or something similar is fed, otherwise the bird will get the calcium from her bones, and if this is allowed to continue will probably die.

Most poultry grit is sold as mixed grit, which is normally ok, but if your layers feed contains the maximum amount of limestone (as it may because stone is generally cheaper than food) Then birds in their desire for hard grit may eat too much of the shell grits and cause calcium poisoning.  This should not be a problem if the birds are allowed a reasonable amount of liberty when they will find their own hard grit and pick at the mixed grit for calcium. 

The high quantity of calcium is layers rations is the reason why you should not feed layer pellets or mash until your birds are about to lay or in lay. 

Its all much easier than it sounds, but it is as well to know.

All the best
Sue

[Frothgar]

Thanks Darkbrowneggs & Compostqueen that's helped a lot - I've just noticed that the 'Antwerp Natural Grit' is composed of redstone, oystershell grit, and silex stone - so I imagine this is the stuff.  Cheers.