at what age can you introduce scratch as a treat?

[mistyfeather]

i am getting my chicks in about a week and a half and was just woundering when they can be given scratch for a treat

 

[canada-goose]

Any time. Just don't give them too much or they'll get fat and not grow well!

 

[dacjohns]

Make sure they get grit also.

 

[mistyfeather]

cool thanx! ya i already got every thing for them, food , scratch and some grit . tho the place i got it at did not have any chick grit in stock i got some parakeet grit will that be ok to start with?

 

[steelersfan43]

can you use crushed egg shells in place of grit?

 

[dacjohns]

Egg shells are a calcium supplement. Grit is used in the digestive process to break up the food.

 

[Keenonf]

My chicks around 2 weeks old and they love corn! They'll get some and will run around the brooder with a piece in there mouth while the rest chase him. Its hilarious. I try not to give too much though. I wanna keep it as a treat and not part of there actual diet.