Can I feed chicks layer pellets?

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I KNOW your suppost to feed them chick starter, but I ran out and I've been feeding them boiled eggs. My question is can I make mash out of layer pellets and feed it to the chicks? It'll only be until Friday. Thanks

 

[KellyHM]

Yes, you'll be fine. I'd keep adding a little boiled egg for extra protein, but the layer pellets will be more balanced nutrient wise. You can just put them through the blender to crush them up instead of having to make a mash out of them.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Tomarrow I'll give them some layer pellets. Thanks!! Um, I have another question: I have 4 older chicks that are fully feathered. When can they start eating layer pellets?

 

[Illia]

When they lay eggs. Layer pellets generally just cut down on protein and have high amounts of calcium for the egg production.

The only thing I'd worry of on feeding chicks layer pellets is that the cockerels could have calcium overdoses, although I hear in studies this doesn't affect them, despite the theories people have made.

 

[KellyHM]

I usually feed mine starter until they're 3-4 months b/c of the protein requirements for growth.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I know they're suppost to have chick starter, but I ran out of feed and we aren't going to a feed store until Friday. We live about an hour away from any store. It's just for a few days. I can just feed them boiled egg and scrambled egg instead of layer pellets ...

 

[KellyHM]

Mrs. Fluffy Puffy :

I know they're suppost to have chick starter, but I ran out of feed and we aren't going to a feed store until Friday. We live about an hour away from any store. It's just for a few days. I can just feed them boiled egg and scrambled egg instead of layer pellets ...

Layer pellets will be better. The eggs have a lot of protein, but not all the other nutrients they need.​

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I got some chick starter this afternoon! YAY! The chicks are SO HAPPY!
I gave them a shallow dish full of sand and very small rocks. They really like that. I have a question: Is sand like grit?

 

[catdaddy66]

Quote:
I agree 100%. Chicks need high protein to grow properly. I'd feel better about feeding them eggs until you get starter due to the higher protein. I guess in a short pinch it would be ok but generally, the layer feed is for layers!