I put mine out in the pen when they were 5-6 weeks old and I was giving my others scratch in the morning. They picked out the smaller items, but not too eagerly. They are 8 weeks now and are eagerly gobbling it up. Hope that helps.
I don't think scratch is OK for chicks until they are atleast 12 weeks. It is like Candy for them! I also read somewhere that scratch can heat up there body and should not be given to chickens in the summer. I'm not sure how much of that is true but it would make since.
I have had 1 week old chicks eat a few pieces of scratch before and it never harmed them. As long as you provide grit for them with the scratch there shouldn't be a problem in moderation of course
Quote:So, if my chicks are 8 weeks old and on Starter feed(mesh), can I give them a little scratch as a treat without adding grit?
Chickens need grit in order to process the hard seeds in the scratch, you should provide them with grit before allowing them scratch. The commercial pellets, mash, and crumbles will all break down because of the water the chickens have access too providing enough moisture to soften the feed and allow digestion. That is not the case with whole seed, etc ....
