Can baby chicks eat bugs?

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
That's a real good point. They would be healthier too getting that natural
food.


Be careful with earthworms folks. They can contain parasites.

 

[Chicktastic]

They love bugs! Its one of my childrens favorite things to do. They catch bugs, worms crickets and grasshoppers aminly, and feed it to the chicks. It also helps train the chicks to come to you for food. Thats helpful to get them in the coop later on!

 

[MoodyChicken]

Heck yes they can! But don't feed them any "intermediate host" bugs yet. Some bugs (grasshoppers, earth worms, slugs, and flies) are required by parasitic worms to reproduce. Those bugs carry infective eggs, so when the chicken eats the bug they eat the eggs too and become infected with worms. A worm infestation in a baby chick would quickly turn lethal. Moths are great, and so are pincher bugs. Or you could buy them mealy worms. I love it when they first encounter bugs. I read somewhere, and it's so true, that "live bugs cause mass hysteria in the chick brooder." It's adorable.

 

[Echoes]

All good to know!! I am actually getting really excited for this.


I just want it to be tomorrow already!!!

 

[nicodemuschickenfan]

You're not the only one. lol

 

[kees]

When I've given my chickens creepy crawlies from the yard, they go beserk.

Think of people rushing around to grab hundred dollar bills dropped over their neighborhood by helicopter!

Suzy

 

[Akane]

My first batch were running around chasing little flying bugs attracted to their brooder lamp when they were only a couple days old. I got them some sand for grit and just started feeding small amounts of treats. Never had a problem giving very young chicks various foods after they are eating their starter well.

 

[MoodyChicken]

I love their initial terror, how they stretch their necks out and screech! Then one gets brave enough and pecks it only to freak and run and cause the others to panic too! Then one realizes it's edible and carries it off and they all chase him.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR MY EGGS TO HATCH!!!

 

[Echoes]

HAHAH... YESSSSS!!!!

Well, looks like I won't be getting any sleep tonight... won't be able to stop thinking about it.

 

[MoodyChicken]

LOL Get some sleep and then tomorrow will come faster! Oh, other cute thing. When you let them lose, they suddenly realize they have wings and start bouncing everywhere! One goes, then they ALL take off! Kinda like firecrackers.