8 and 9 Day Old Chicks

[Katbird01]

My EE/Maran cross chicks are 8 and 9 days old today. They are growing like weeds. All are eating and drinking good and are active (knock on wood). This is my first time with chicks. Any advice on things I should be doing? I've read the Learning Center articles about raising baby chicks but I'm sure there's little things I should be doing.

They get a chick starter food right now (can't remember the name and I threw the bag away). When should I change that over (or should I)? I've seem some mention grit. Does that come in the food or do I need to add that? Is it the same stuff you can get for pet birds at the pet store? I was thinking of putting some bird toys in there to keep them entertained. The tend to walk around and peck at spots on the walls etc. I think they'd like a toy.

 

[dekel18042]

Does your feed store carry a growth formula? After the first bag of chicken starter I switch them to that. I put cardboard rolls from paper towels in as toys and after a few days I sprinkle a handful of colorful parakeet pellets on their brooder bedding. They enjoy scratching around after that and it is small enough for them to peck at and eat.

 

[lovemy6hens]

We fed ours chick starter and added chick grit to it. The chick grit is smaller than regular poultry grit. Follow the instructions on the bag to measure it to mix.
Spend lots and lots if time with them, handle them as much as you can, and take pictures. They grow so fast! I miss mine being babies.

I wish I'd known about colored parakeet pellets. Neat idea!

 

[Katbird01]

I'll take yet another trip to TSC and see if they have the grit. And the pet store for parakeet seed. Thanks.

 

[dekel18042]

I'll take yet another trip to TSC and see if they have the grit. And the pet store for parakeet seed. Thanks.

Not parakeet seed, parakeet pellets. If you can get the colored ones it's better. It's really cute watching the tiny fuzz balls digging around in their bedding and finding things to eat just like the big guys. And if you have a baby that's reluctant to eat, sprinkle a bit of the pellets across the top of their food. The colors attract them and they start pecking and eating. I've never had it fail.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I'll take yet another trip to TSC and see if they have the grit. And the pet store for parakeet seed. Thanks.

You only need grit if you are feeding them treats. If you are just feeding them the starter crumbles you don't need the grit. If you give them other treats, then yes, you'll need the grit. I just sprinkle some grit (I get mine from TSC..basic Chick grit) on the floor of the pen and they dig and peck for it. They should be on the starter/grower crumbles until you switch them to layer or flock food. (Usually about 16-18 weeks). If you look at the back of the Dumor starter crumbles (TSC sells) it'll show you a chart to help decide when to change to what.
Just make sure their regular food is what they are getting the most of and not other foods or treats. The starter crumbles have what they need to grow.

 

[rstarrgl]

So cute! Enjoy

 

[Katbird01]

I thought I'd thrown the bag away but I found it in a cabinet. It's chick starter/grower. I may just stick with that another week or so then add in sime treats.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I thought I'd thrown the bag away but I found it in a cabinet. It's chick starter/grower. I may just stick with that another week or so then add in sime treats.

If you want to start treats, but don't want to get the grit yet, boil some eggs and squish it up and toss some in. Once one of them decides to go for it....watch out!! They are fun to watch!!!

 

[WinterChicks]

My EE/Maran cross chicks are 8 and 9 days old today. They are growing like weeds. All are eating and drinking good and are active (knock on wood). This is my first time with chicks. Any advice on things I should be doing? I've read the Learning Center articles about raising baby chicks but I'm sure there's little things I should be doing.

They get a chick starter food right now (can't remember the name and I threw the bag away). When should I change that over (or should I)? I've seem some mention grit. Does that come in the food or do I need to add that? Is it the same stuff you can get for pet birds at the pet store? I was thinking of putting some bird toys in there to keep them entertained. The tend to walk around and peck at spots on the walls etc. I think they'd like a toy.

Awesome on the care so far!

Yes, you will want to get grit once you start feeding them things besides chick starter.. Little treats.
You can get some rocks and they will peck the little parts out, get it at a farm store and probably the pet store.

Also, you won't need to change over until 8-9wks, then you change them to grower feed until 15-17wks-Then you can put them on laying mash. Pellets are more efficent...less waste = more food..and a lower feed bill!