Crickets and mealworms

[Swirls76]

Since I am new to the chicken world, I was wondering what the protocol is on feeding 8-9 week old chicks? The feed store said you can feed them crickets/mealworms if it's not a meal supplement. Is this correct? The chicks love them.

Some advice?

 

[vachick15]

They can have mealworms at this age

 

[Swirls76]

Can I smash up the crickets or no all together?

Thank you!

 

[vachick15]

I've never given my chickens crickets, but I think they'd be alright. I read on BYC some people said they could have them at 10 days old (with grit, of course).

 

[drumstick diva]

Some folks just turn the crickets loose in a pile of chicks and they will go nuts chasing them. Of course you would not do this inside your house - some will escape.

 

[Swirls76]

Our chicks go crazy when a fly whizzes by. Crickets will drive them crazy. Ha!