At what age can chicks be fed scratch for treat?

[ldutch123]

My chicks are about 10 weeks old now and wondered when I could feed them scratch

 

[RoyRooster]

When a hen hides out around the farm somewhere and hatches a clutch of chicks, they come running out and eat scratch with her at feeding time. You can definately give some to pullets/cockerals of that age with no ill affects.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

10,000 members and you'll get 9,000 different answers.

But we move our chicks from the brooder to free-range and a coop at night when they are 5 to 6 weeks old. I throw out scratch as a treat every morning and evening all around the coops. The chicks dive right in.


Be sure and give them grit before starting them on any whole or cracked grains.

 

[kimisfishing]

I think the feed store sold me scrach as food is that not right and what should I be feeding?

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Quote:
Depends on the age of your birds. Are they chicks or adults?

Scratch is very low protein and best only feed sparingly as a treat.

Lots of old timers never gave the chickens anything except scratch and corn, and the will live on just that, but not thrive and do as well as if feed a balanced diet.

 

[ldutch123]

Thanks I will give them some. They just moved outside and need a ill treat.

 

[SteveBaz]

Good luck with the kids and enjoy them they are old enough, sure just remember the treats are for our amusement not theirs. Everything in moderation.

 

[Grog]

We use a "starter" for the chicks. It is a 18% protien crumble.

I can never wait to get them on the pellet food tho cause this almost eliminates waste by the birds