Chicks may be eating some of the laying pellets

[dhansen]

When I let me chicks out in the morning, I let the big girls out in the run. There are always some laying pellets left on the ground and iIthink the little girls might be eating it too. Will this hurt them? They have the chick crumbles available, but I know they are getting some of the big girl food.

 

[paganfish]

this is a good question...mine do the same. The mommas discourage them from the feeders and the chicks will eat wherever mom does. I wonder what folks here have to say about it...I'll keep an eye out on this thread!!!

I heard that it's harmful to them if they go into laying cycle too early...bad for reproduction organs or some such. My question is...what do folks here do when the mommas have chicks. I have a special chick feeder but the mommas are bantys and they are Teeny Tiny and they too eat the chick pellets. Huh? Should I bring them in and separate them from mom early on or leave well enough alone? Moms teach them how to get along so I know that's not a good idea...I get confused about this same question---obviously!

Thanks for bringing it up...although I could...I hope folks here can help answer some of our questions. LOL!

~C:->

 

[allen wranch]

A few layer pellets every now and then won't hurt the chicks. Just make sure they are not eating a lot and ignoring their regular chick starter.

Mama can eat the chick starter along with the babies. It has nothing in it that will harm her. She won't be laying for a while anyway so not having the extra calcium isn't an issue.