5 week old chicks, what treats?

[busymama9]

Our coop is finished and our chicks are doing great in it. They are almost 6 weeks and fully feathered and weather is very mild here. So far they have only been eating commercial feed but I would like to scatter something for them today when they go out to the run. I have lots of wheat berries but I'm guessing they are too young. I also have dried spilt peas and some things like oat grouts. Should I wait on these things? They aren't really pecking and eating the spilled feed so I don't want to add more of that.

Also, for now the run is straight dirt. Do I need to add grit to their offerings or will they pick out small rocks and such as needed from the run? I may eventually add hay to the run for bedding, I'm undecided. But I'm wondering about grit if I start giving them other things.

Thanks!

 

[Windus]

Mine love mealworms

 

[Saaniya]

Pumpkin
Watermelon

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I recommend no treats. Tiny digestive tracts require all the feed to be as nutritionally complete as possible for optimal growth and health.
And yes, if you can't wait, they will need grit. In fact, I recommend grit whether you offer treats or not. It helps to develop the gizzard.

 

[Cryss]

I've offered a bit of grit on a coffee can lid for them at their discretion. I also throw in greens from my dying garden like kale and dandelion and various weeds. They love it. I make sure they have lots of crumble available, not the laying kind. They are about 7 weeks old.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I offered my girls chick grit when I put them outhside at 5 weeks. They had access to grass and weeds.
I fed them only start and grow feed till 8 weeks, then offered scratch grains as a treat scattered on the ground.
My girls are 20 months old and never been treated for an illness. GC

 

[lazy gardener]

IMO, they should only get their regular feed, as well as what they would get if allowed to free range a yard and garden: Think high nutrition: grass, dandelion greens, sod/soil, insects, kale, other greens. They should find plenty of edible amusement in their run. Be sure to give them chick grit.

 

[chickens really]

Yes, just don't get over board on the snacks....Chickens actually only need the balanced diet you provide to be productive and remain healthy without behavioural issues...