chick food

[shotgun707]

can i feed them like brown rice??

 

[SteveBaz]

Quote:
Sure

 

[heatherkh]

Per what everyone else has said, it is really difficult to provide nutritionally complete food to chicks using lettuce, rice etc. Is there a reason you can't feed them chick starter for the first 4-6 weeks?

 

[SteveBaz]

Quote:
I have been told from day 1 on this site to feed them medicated chick starter. Who said not to. The medicated chick starter prevents them from many illnesses.

I practice prevention. And if there's anything to practice prevention for, it's COCCIDIOSIS. Since Coccidiosis is one of the most flock-devastating protozoan parasitic diseases, 'Cocci' management should forever be at the forefront of any good health and nutrition program.

If you've ever survived a round of Cocci in your own flock, you know what I mean about devastating. If you're new to the backyard flock, your days are numbered for heartbreak. It will come from nowhere in the form of a once healthy nice little bird suddenly looking as though they've ruffled their feathers. They may already be sulking in a corner. Then comes the bloody diarrhea or the oozing of clear fluid from the mouth when you pick them up. By this time, it's too late - most of the damage is already done, and it's only taken about 3 days to get Cocci outbreaks and are particularly disappointing because they usually strike the young birds. Adult chickens have some resistance to it, but only to the particular strain they've already been exposed to so If you bring in a brand new strain from another farm on your shoes, and conditions are right the adults will fall victim too. This is a good reason to practice 'biosecurity', which should be practiced from day 1.

 

[heatherkh]

Um, Steve, if you read what I posted - I was agreeing with you and what other posters had said about feeding chick starter. It sounded to me like the OP was asking about feeding his chicks strictly on whatever stuff he/she had around the house - lettuce, rice etc. So I was asking the OP if there was a reason he/she couldn't provide chick starter.

Apologies if my post was poorly written or unclear, but please also try to take a moment to understand what has been posted before you assume anything and respond based on that assumption.

 

[shotgun707]

with the brown rice should i cook it first or not

 

[SteveBaz]

Quote:
So Sorry, I went brain dead for a moment heatherkh and did not understand you I guess. The info I put up is good anyway and explains how a infection like Coccidiosis is so serious and devastating to an entire flock young and old. Please accept my apologies.

 

[shotgun707]

so i bought the chick starter feed.....how will that help the chicks

 

[Kevin565]

It has ingredients that help prevent certain diseases. As well as giving them a well balanced diet.

 

[shotgun707]

ok