[jacob and Georgina]

i have never had chickens that young so wouldnt like to say but i cant see why you cant just hang them a bit lower and perhaps slighly smaller cabbages or even just a bundle of salad leaves, whatever you have, no harm in trying i suppose 

[Sharondp]

Don't forget the chick grit!

[storm35]

Don't forget the chick grit!

Chick grit?? Was not told about any of that, what is it and why do they need it? Where will i get it, never saw any at dobbies?
Thank you

[Sharondp]

I think it's generally flint, but it's much smaller than the normal grit you get for chooks. Most farm supplies will sell it. It acts as their teeth and helps them grind up stuff - particularly important when they start eating greens, foraging etc

[Birdie Wife]

I have an arrangement of various sized logs and large stones in my broody run, which I make into something like a mini assault course. They love climbing on things and playing 'King of the Castle'. I change the arrangement every other week, but they are feathered up enough to run with the rest of the hens by 4 weeks old. Hanging lettuce or cabbage is good too, and the odd raspberry from the garden is fought over with tenacity 

[scattybiker1972]

hang an onion sack full of veg just in reach, or get a large haggis wheel these are a lot bigger than a hamster wheel and are used to excersise haggis but are big enough for hens, the bars are closer together.

just thinking of haggis's on a wheel.   

[storm35]

I think it's generally flint, but it's much smaller than the normal grit you get for chooks. Most farm supplies will sell it. It acts as their teeth and helps them grind up stuff - particularly important when they start eating greens, foraging etc

Thank you, so how much do i add, do i just sprinkle this on the sawdust? What do i ask for grit for chicks?

[knightquest]

Oyster shell grit is probably best and mixed in with feed along with a separate pot full. I also feed egg shells back that have been cooked and crushed up real fine. My birds are 5 months old tho'.

Ian

[storm35]

Oyster shell grit is probably best and mixed in with feed along with a separate pot full. I also feed egg shells back that have been cooked and crushed up real fine. My birds are 5 months old tho'.

Ian

So if i find a supplier of oyster shell, put some in the feed and extra bowl of it on its own? Is this safe for ducklings aswell?

[knightquest]

Oyster shell grit is probably best and mixed in with feed along with a separate pot full. I also feed egg shells back that have been cooked and crushed up real fine. My birds are 5 months old tho'.

Ian

So if i find a supplier of oyster shell, put some in the feed and extra bowl of it on its own? Is this safe for ducklings aswell?

I've only got chooks so I can't say about ducks. Your local pet shop should sell the grit......we do!

Ian

[Sharondp]

You need to get grit specifically for chicks if they are very young - oyster shell isn't small enough and may choke them - unless you can be bothered to grind it up !
You can buy chick grit by the scoopful in our local farm supplies. My chicks have this until they are about 7 weeks old.

[storm35]

You need to get grit specifically for chicks if they are very young - oyster shell isn't small enough and may choke them - unless you can be bothered to grind it up !
You can buy chick grit by the scoopful in our local farm supplies. My chicks have this until they are about 7 weeks old.

Thank you, i was never told about grit, will it be ok for the duck aswell?