Grit bowls and chickens?

[Confusedm87]

Hi so ive been raising chicks and usually spread grit in the brooder and on there crumb. Ive now moved them outside into there run and they are out full time. I bought some of those clip on grit bowls and filled one with grit and placed it in the run, but as soon as i did they ran towards it and ate it like food. I removed it because I was worried they would eat to much and impact there gizzard. Ive been throwing it in around for them but do i try again and hope for the best? How do i use the grit bowls without them gorging on grit? Thank you

I’m not an expert, but I believe it’s known for young chicks to overeat grit. They may be particularly keen on food, or they may just have a chicken death wish :)

If you are feeding a commercial chick mix, it may already have enough grit - you can look at the ingredients. If you are also feeding scraps, they may also need some free choice sand. I’ve always understood you shouldn’t add additional grit to feed but should have it as free choice with a separate hopper of feed.