If you look at it this way, in the primitive days, hens raised their chicks without any extra help from the farmers. Chicks followed momma hen who showed them what, and what not, to eat. They ate what she ate and then some (because babies, no matter what species, put things in their mouth they’re not supposed to). They learn as they go, and believe me, they are pretty quick learners!
If your chicks free range and forage like momma, then don’t worry about feed type. Just let momma hen do her job and you’ll be fine. Mine never died for eating regular feed and scratch and grit and bugs. Just make sure you’re feeding everyone the crumbles and not the pellets because chicks can’t swallow those big pellets. When they reach the age of 8 weeks though, you can resume feeding the flock with pellets, if that’s what you originally had them on.
Have fun with your chicks!
If your chicks free range and forage like momma, then don’t worry about feed type. Just let momma hen do her job and you’ll be fine. Mine never died for eating regular feed and scratch and grit and bugs. Just make sure you’re feeding everyone the crumbles and not the pellets because chicks can’t swallow those big pellets. When they reach the age of 8 weeks though, you can resume feeding the flock with pellets, if that’s what you originally had them on.
Have fun with your chicks!
