Feeding Mama and Hatchlings

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Vermont Mary

Vermont Mary

Hatching
5 Years
Nov 4, 2014
5
0
7
Southern Vermont
I have a feeding question. Mama hatched 3 beautiful chicks who are healthy and happy.
My problem is feeding Mama. She only leaves the nest to poop so I am feeding her "baby" food along with the chicks but she needs a bit more. She's lost some weight during this whole brooding process and I need to get some meat on her bones. I have been making her oatmeal, giving her banana, cooking up scrambled eggs and she is doing much better. My dilemma is that the chicks (one week old) go wild over all of the above. I don't want to do anything to harm the babes. Am I doing okay ? My other hatchery chicks are on 100% chick feed. All are doing well. Btw, Mama will not eat her pellets which are outside of the nesting area but will wolf down sunflower seeds.
Need some advice here in Vermont..thanks
 
Vermont Mary said:
I have a feeding question. Mama hatched 3 beautiful chicks who are healthy and happy.
My problem is feeding Mama. She only leaves the nest to poop so I am feeding her "baby" food along with the chicks but she needs a bit more. She's lost some weight during this whole brooding process and I need to get some meat on her bones. I have been making her oatmeal, giving her banana, cooking up scrambled eggs and she is doing much better. My dilemma is that the chicks (one week old) go wild over all of the above. I don't want to do anything to harm the babes. Am I doing okay ? My other hatchery chicks are on 100% chick feed. All are doing well. Btw, Mama will not eat her pellets which are outside of the nesting area but will wolf down sunflower seeds.
Need some advice here in Vermont..thanks
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Is there a reason why you are not putting out chick feed for both mother and babies? If I were you, I'd give this little family plenty of chick feed. If you want to give her more protein, you can certainly give her some scrambled eggs. I try to give an egg to my babies every day. You can offer Mama some oyster shell, or crushed egg shell on the side. Chick feed is higher protein than layer pellets. She needs that extra protein right now. Is she taking them out into the run, or free ranging? At this age, she should be taking them out and about, introducing them to the world.
 
I'm sure the would eat regular chick food if that is all they get. Sounds like they are spoiled by the food you cook for them. Why eat hot dog when you can get steak. Cut out the extra and give them chick food.
 
Thanks for your reply ! I am giving all plenty of chick feed and Mama is eating some but not alot. My concern is the babies eating oatmeal, eggs, bananas and even a whole grain waffle!
This is my first hatch and I have been told only to feed the chicks feed. They will free range but right now are in a large wooden box inside the first level of my home. When I am home, Mama has free access to outdoors.
 
Put mama and babies out side together so the can free range together. Mama will protect the babies from the other hens. Or you can go out and watch them for awhile to be sure them do okay. Mama is concerned with her babies and will start to eat as she gets used to the babies.
 

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