Feeding new born chicks

[RHewitt]

Maybe different feed manufacturers produce smaller sizes crumbles or the chciks pick through and ingore the larger pieces. I will say that I too have raised them with no problems before I decided to grind up some for the first few days. The main point I wanted to share is that this is a better way to give chicks a head start and it is not much trouble. Small chicks like bantams or those that maybe little weaker than others after the hatchig process just seam to respond to the feed better when it is prepared in this manner.

Thanks for all the feedback

 

[Southerngirl]

I lost a few banties also due to them getting choked on the starter. I happened to walk out and see one gagging and cleared his throat out. They are so much smaller than the standards ! Great info and thanks for the tip very much!

 

[TXmom]

Maybe my chicks are just finicky...or spoiled rotten

I just know I saw them picking up the food and dropping it, and they weren't eating much until I started grinding it.

I'm using Purina Medicated Starter/Grower...I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

 

[Birdys Barnyard]

Thank you for this advice, I have a silkie pipping right now and will drag the coffee grinder out.

 

[Akane]

With the standards I've never had that problem but with japanese bantams more than half the pieces are too large. I either grind or just moisten it. If you wet the crumbles into a mash they can eat it without the effort or materials needed for grinding. The downside is you have to change it frequently to avoid spoilage. Usually I replaced it 2 or more times a day. Now that I have buttons I have to grind food anyway so I got a coffee grinder that works well.

 

[kbbeale]

I never had problems with any chicks having problems eating, until I got seramas. Even silkies would eat the starter crumbles. After getting Seramas, we had to mash up the food so they could eat it.

Luckily, we found a feed store that mills their own feed and they have starter/grower MASH. What a wonderful thing!!!! Its been great not having to mash up all that feed by hand.

 

[Harley332]

HI I just hatched a new born chick when do I start feeding it just hatched

 

[lazy gardener]

When it's dried off, move it to a brooder. Then, offer chick starter and water. Put the water in a chick waterer, or other container so the chick can't fall into it. Chicks do best getting started with feed that is placed on the floor of their brooder on a paper towel, or piece of cardboard. You will also want to put some feed in a feeder. Raise both feeder and waterer up to chest height after the chick has been eating and drinking for a day. If you only have the one chick, perhaps you can find a buddy for it. Chickens don't do well alone. You can read lots of "how to raise chicks" info in the learning center.