Chick Feed

[GizmoB]

What does everyone recommend for feed for their chicks. There are SO many brands out there! Does anyone recommend puffs? At what age do you start introducing treats and what are the best treats. Has anyone used the probiotic gel I've seen on a few websites for their chicks. Is it really good for them?

 

[polarbearpilot]

I have 4 grown hens and 9 chicks. I checked the ingredients/nutrition info on both and the two main differences I find are the percentages of calcium and protein. Layers feed has more calcium and less protein. There are other minor differences in vitamins, too. I didn't want to buy two different types of feed so I decide to modify the layers feed to give to the chicks. I add lentils to increase the protein level, I also add rice or wheat or corn for energy. With this mix, I lower the calcium and increase the protein. Of course, I put everything in a coffee grinder to grind it up so the chicks can eat. I also give them a lot of leafy green vegetables (cut up very small) and they LOVE those. At two weeks, my chicks can eat small meal worms, caterpillars, earth worms, and even earwigs. They fight for those. The vegetables and bugs give them extra vitamins and protein.

I realize that I didn't exactly answer your question. But I think any brand you choose will be good enough. Just supplement it with lots of fresh natural food (veg, fruits, and bugs) and your chicks will thrive.

I am going to give some watermelon and rolly pollies later and see how the chicks like those.

 

[GizmoB]

N

I have 4 grown hens and 9 chicks.  I checked the ingredients/nutrition info on both and the two main differences I find are the percentages of calcium and protein. Layers feed has more calcium and less protein. There are other minor differences in vitamins, too.  I didn't want to buy two different types of feed so I decide to modify the layers feed to give to the chicks. I add lentils to increase the protein level, I also add rice or wheat or corn for energy. With this mix, I lower the calcium and increase the protein.  Of course, I put everything in a coffee grinder to grind it up so the chicks can eat. I also give them a lot of leafy green vegetables (cut up very small) and they LOVE those.  At two weeks, my chicks can eat small meal worms, caterpillars, earth worms, and even earwigs. They fight for those. The vegetables and bugs give them extra vitamins and protein.

I realize that I didn't exactly answer your question. But I think any brand you choose will be good enough.  Just supplement it with lots of fresh natural food (veg, fruits, and bugs) and your chicks will thrive.

I am going to give some watermelon and rolly pollies later and see how the chicks like those.  

No thank you! All this information is great!!

 

[marine68]

HI I GIVE MINE , CHICK CRUMB, THEN LATER I WILL GIVE THEM CHICK GROWER ABOUT 6 WEEKS OLD