4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Headchicken]

Hello all! The chicks are now 10 days old, and growing new feathers by the minute They all seem to be doing well in the brooder. My question is about grit. I've bought some of the small grit that is used for pet birds (parrots, cockatiels, etc) and have sprinkled a very small amount in with their food this morning; is this alright? I know they need grit to help develop the gizzard, but I wasn't sure how early to offer. What I have used is such a small amount, I'm sure it won't harm, but if I am supposed to be offering more, I will add as needed.

 

Also, since they haven't had grit (and they are growing so fast) I have not offered any treats at all. I didn't want to stress their systems or take away from the nutrients of the chick feed. Do you think a little sour (raw, not pasteurized, so actually sour) milk would be alright? Since it doesn't need any grinding to digest, I thought the lactobacillus cultures might be good for the little girls gut flora; any thoughts?

 

That all being said, when can I offer some little chopped up worms or grapes, etc?

 

Thank you for all your continued help!!!

 

edited to add pics:

Trouble-- may be the leader. She sleeps on the perch!

 

Dot-- trying for leader also. She's the biggest.

 

Carmella-- beautiful, carmel brown feathers and darker beak

 

Un-named baby #1

 

Un-named baby #2

Edited February 18, 2009 by Guest

[Griffin]

All they need right now is chick crumb. They don't need grit yet because they don't need to break down the crumb, it's just the right size for them. When they're 5-6 weeks old they can gradually be introduced to growers pellets and then they'll need grit. They really don't need any treats or any other food than crumb now. Think of them as human babies, when they're born they don't have anything apart from milk (or in chicks case crumb) until it's time to wean them, anything else could give them poorly bellies.

[Chillicat]

Hi

As Griffin said, like iccle babies, they don't need much.

I did however get my chicks some chick grit, which is like miniature grit.

Treats, now there's another thing! I spoil mine and they love pasta. I now have to make sure that I coat the pasta in layers mash to ensure they get all the right minerals etc

Not sure about the milk........I wouldn't as porridge should be made with water.........I think milk and dairy products upset them. ??

Anyway.........10 day old chicks, you lucky, lucky thing.......where are the pics?

[Headchicken]

I was thinking the same thing...if this were a human baby, I wouldn't be asking this question

 

I ask about the sour milk because I see many here talking about probiotic yogurt for the chickens/hens. I know chickens love sour milk, since my grandfather has told me stories of his youth. I think I'll hold off until they are older.

 

So to summarize, I shouldn't offer grit until they move to pellets around 6 wks, correct?

[Griffin]

Yes that's right. Grit is to aid digestion but with crumbs they don't need any help.