Best foods for chicks besides the basic starter feed

[Shorty22366]

I guess many haven't raised Chicks with a Broody..She definitely doesn't ruffle up yelling to the Chicks to not eat certain things. Feed what you want and provide Chicks starter ..........

I agree. My broody feeds them exactly what she eats and I have so.e healthy little fluff butts and never have egg shell problems. I much rather raise with a broody that in a brooder box.

 

[chickens really]

I agree. My broody feeds them exactly what she eats and I have so.e healthy little fluff butts and never have egg shell problems. I much rather raise with a broody that in a brooder box.

Yes. Although I just mimic the feed the mother would of fed them. All my Broody hens show them feed plus what ever else she finds to feed them. Always healthy little chicks. I have Silkies due February 7 th under a Broody and she will do the same...

 

[MissChick@dee]

Also an article from Purina. View attachment 1658181. GC

I’m fortunate my chickens don’t like oatmeal. Perhaps in that case they’re smarter than us humans.
When I want to spoil mine on a cold winter’s morning I soak their pellets then warm it in the microwave. They LOVE it. And I feel so good knowing they’re eating a belly full of good for them stuff. I just don’t know why I waited so long to do this. Something in my mind said “Naw.. they won’t like it”. I’ve changed allot of MY practices in keeping my chickens. I’ve learned it’s easier to prevent a problem than treat one. Thanks for the information.

 

[chickens really]

Last winter a friend phoned me early in the morning in a total panic. She fed her chickens oatmeal before bed in an un heated Coop to warm them up. Their crops froze solid and almost all of them died..

 

[GC-Raptor]

Unfortunately the site where I read the most dramatic 'your chickens will die if they eat oats

This is from, the chicken-chick.com website.

I had to repost, left out 2nd screenshot. GC

 

[Shadrach]

This is from, the chicken-chick.com website. View attachment 1658248 View attachment 1658249 I had to repost, left out 2nd screenshot. GC

Yes I read this at the site you mention.
Yes, the science is correct as far as I've been able to find out.
BUT, I've read some complete nonsense on that site and I decided to investigate a little about how the site was funded and who might have vested interests in the products it promotes and who some of the 'scientists' get quoted on that site work for.
I don't visit that site anymore and I'm still feeding the chickens here some oats.
One really does have to be extremely careful about what advice you take from the Internet.
Unfortunately there are some people who will read this and no longer feed their poultry any oats not bothering to investigate further.

 

[Peepsi]

I would take advice from a feed provider with a grain of salt, or try to find the same advice from another reputable source. Maybe I'm wrong, but wouldn't Purina discourage people from feeding anything but Purina, as they are in the business of selling it? (Not saying that oats aren't bad for chickens, just saying that a food seller would discourage people from getting anything for their chickens except for food from that seller).

Also an article from Purina. View attachment 1658181. GC

 

[rjohns39]

Ok, since I brought up the beta glucan issue, I thought I should clarify. As @Shadrach pointed out one should always follow the money to understand the advice. Many authors are biased based upon where their funding comes from.

My point in my post was NOT that oats and barley will kill your birds, but rather to show an example of too much of anything can be bad. Apple seeds contain cyanide, but if you eat the core of your apple do you die—no. Small grains such as oats and barley bring a lot of good things to the table including amino acids, lysine, methionine and cystine (please forgive my spelling).

I'll leave you with a quote from my favorite feed book. I've probably butchered the citation, so English majors please cut me some slack... Been too many years since college and the internet is really confusing on proper citations.

"Oats, Barley

Oats and barley add fiber and increase the bulk density of feed. The hull makes up 20% of the weight of oats and barley. High fiber from these small grains keeps the digestive track clean, and can also be used to limit feed intake. High-fiber small grains also adds protein and energy, although most of this added nutrition is burned off digesting the excess fiber. Oats and barley have an inclusion limitation of 15% by weight in any combination without added digestive enzymes (B-Glucanase). The results of excess oats or barley is wet litter and poor digestive viscosity."

Mattocks, Jeff. Feeding Pasture-Raised Poultry. (Pages 50-51) Second Edition copyright 2013:Fertrell Company

 

[Eggscaping]

I fed starter grower medicated 20% till 8 weeks with chick grit. At 3-4 weeks started greens and dried mealworms in small treat form. At 8 weeks switched to 18% starter grower nonmedicated Natures Best organic and switched to poultry grit on the side. I used crumble when young. I Ferment feed except when below freezing as it freezes. I feed dry then. I started OS at 15 weeks per recommmended ratio. I switched to Big Sky organic no corn or soy layer mash at 28 weeks laying stage. I still occasionally will feed dried mealworms, greens, or homemade treat block. Keep in mind treats stay at 10% or less of total daily intake. Occasionally I make a Greek yogurt snack with herbs, berries, and dried mealworms.

….when I die, if I come back as a chicken, I want to be YOUR chicken!

 

[Melky]

….when I die, if I come back as a chicken, I want to be YOUR chicken!

You may Eggscaping but might have to leave the cat behind as I am allergic. Cute kitty though!