Feeding chicks watermelon to cool off, how old should they be?

[Kateb910]

I have pullets and cockerels that range from 9- 12 weeks old.. Its been extremely hot here in Missouri, is it safe at that age for them to have watermelon as a cool down treat? If not safe any suggestions as to what else would work? We do use a fan in the coop alot and we wet down the grass in thier run too.

 

[azygous]

They're plenty old enough. Even two-week old chicks can eat watermelon as long as you supply them with grit.

Have you heard of freezing canned corn or fruit cocktail in a block of ice for them to peck at? Place the block of ice in a shallow pan and they will drink the ice melt. Again, be sure they have grit.

 

[Kateb910]

They're plenty old enough. Even two-week old chicks can eat watermelon as long as you supply them with grit.

Have you heard of freezing canned corn or fruit cocktail in a block of ice for them to peck at? Place the block of ice in a shallow pan and they will drink the ice melt. Again, be sure they have grit.

Thanks for the ideas, and could you please explain about the grit. ..

 

[Kateb910]

Thanks for the ideas, and could you please explain about the grit. ..

Ok did some research now i see why they need grit. And should i make grit accessible at all times at this age now? And any suggestions on how, should i mix with their starter in thier feeder?

 

[azygous]

You can buy grit at the feed store. You can toss it on the ground for them to search and find, which is the natural way for chickens. Or put it in a container near their feeder. This is necessary for their gizzards to operate efficiently.

Chickens have no teeth because they don't need them. They swallow their food and it goes right into the crop. It gets churned up and broken down a bit, then the crop empties into the gizzard which is where the real grinding and digesting occurs. This is where most of the grit ends up. Grit takes the place of teeth. No grit, no digestion, and the chicken can develop a blockage when the food isn't ground up enough to pass out of the gizzard.

It's a nightmare trying to unblock a blocked gizzard, so it's far easier to make sure chickens have adequate grit.

 

[Kateb910]

You can buy grit at the feed store. You can toss it on the ground for them to search and find, which is the natural way for chickens. Or put it in a container near their feeder. This is necessary for their gizzards to operate efficiently.

Chickens have no teeth because they don't need them. They swallow their food and it goes right into the crop. It gets churned up and broken down a bit, then the crop empties into the gizzard which is where the real grinding and digesting occurs. This is where most of the grit ends up. Grit takes the place of teeth. No grit, no digestion, and the chicken can develop a blockage when the food isn't ground up enough to pass out of the gizzard.

It's a nightmare trying to unblock a blocked gizzard, so it's far easier to make sure chickens have adequate grit.

Thank you!! To be honest i hadn't thought of that yet, since they were still pretty young and dont eat much of anything besides starter, but now they are in their run alot so i need to get some. I am buying some tomorrow. Thank you for the Much needed advice its appreciated.

 

[Lilokieescorter]

I have pullets and cockerels that range from 9- 12 weeks old.. Its been extremely hot here in Missouri, is it safe at that age for them to have watermelon as a cool down treat? If not safe any suggestions as to what else would work? We do use a fan in the coop alot and we wet down the grass in thier run too.

Now would be good, I started treats @ about 3 weeks i think it was! I freeze grapes, peaches & apples in a little water in ice trays & just this evening I put watermelon rinds in the freezer for later!

 

[Lilokieescorter]

Ok did some research now i see why they need grit. And should i make grit accessible at all times at this age now? And any suggestions on how, should i mix with their starter in thier feeder?

I did som research & saw where you could also use sand, so that's what I did for the littles

 

[Kateb910]

That is great! You can tell they love it!! My husband just brought home a fresh watermelon from a local food stand, he said he'd share it with our chickens.. going to definitely try this tomorrow. Thank you, btw the way your chickens are adorable

 

[Kateb910]

I did som research & saw where you could also use sand, so that's what I did for the littles

Thank you