Can Day Olds eat Scratch w/ their Mom?

[TommyVT05]

Hello All,

So I have chicks now. Ya!!!

So anytime tomorrow, they are coming down to eat for their first time. I have BOTH chick starters and Scratch, so, how should I feed the mom and the chics? Mix-match the scratch and the chic mix together so the mom can eat her share and the chics eat theirs...or thats a bad idea?

Chicks won't eat something big like scratch will they?

Hope I can find some helpful tips on feeding for both to be happy and full.

: )

- Tommy

 

[chcknrs]

Mom's will teach babies what and how to eat. Don't worry, you have a mother hen, even tho you are one!

 

[skeeter]

if they are outside they will eat what ever mom says to eat but mom and babies need grit if you are going to feed that,not nessaceary if feeding chich starter

 

[YoungChickenOwner]

Personally...
I have had bad experiences with week old chicks eating scratch with mother hen. I had several die last year, and i believe its because they got a hold of scratch from another group of full grown birds.

My hens tend to eat the chick starter with the babies...never had any problems.

 

[TommyVT05]

Perhaps I will just feed them JUST that then. Chic starter for mom and babies. They are in the backyard so grit is for sure there. Hehe

- Tommy

Thanks Everyone!

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I always feed my broodies the same as the chicks with chick starter/grower...she needs the extra protein now anyway and won't lay for awhile...

 

[TommyVT05]

Yeah. Probably best then huh?

Yup...imma just feed chic starter then, if scratch, I'ma grind it up w/ a grinder first.

Do you think I should put some rice grains too...for calcium?

- Tommy