Feed

[Maria Luna]

Hello from NYC & Happy Tuesday!
We've had the lil' chicks now for four weeks and have been giving them Manna Feed and they do get to
free range in our yard. Was wondering, should we give them another type of feed as they seem to have
gotten pretty big in the short period of time we've had them. I've read about crushed granite, oysters, etc...
is this necessary to add to their diet or should we just continue with the Manna Feed? I've also read
alot about others feeding them kitchen scrap - can we give them fruits, rice, etc... I just don't want to
start calling other critters
Thanks!

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Keep them on the starter feed until they are ready to lay. If they are free ranging, then you don't need to add any grit as they are getting that naturally. Do not add oyster shell calcium until they are laying. Too much calcium can harm the kidneys of babies.

You can start giving them some treats and kitchen scraps, but keep it down to a dull roar as they really need to eat their starter feed right now. You should wait until they are about 6 weeks before adding goodies. 10% of the diet for treats. Here is our treats chart for all the goodies you can feed them...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/21530/feedback-on-learning-center-treats-chart

Enjoy your little babies and welcome to our flock!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC!

Please make yourself at home and we are here to help. X2 on what Two Crows said. They should keep eating the starter/grower until they are 18 weeks old. Don't feed calcium until they are 18 weeks as this damages kidneys and causes other major problems in growing pullets. I've attached a link I wrote. It should also help.

Again, welcome!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/feeding-at-different-ages

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!

We have a contest running for our new members, if you are interested. Rules and how to enter here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/885886/welcome-to-byc-sign-up-and-win/0_30

Enjoy the site!

 

[gander007]

 

[Maria Luna]

Thank you! Will check it out

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!

Feel free to ask lots of questions! We're all here to help.