Feeding scraps

[Threewyandottes]

Hello
Can 4 week old chicks eat raw fish( frozen fish that was thawed)?

Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would not. Best to feed only a good quality starter for the first 2-3 months to avoid deficiencies. The only treat I feed is scrambled eggs. They have everything a growing chick needs. Not too much, as it will make for loose poops.

 

[Threewyandottes]

ok

 

[CPT]

I agree. Just feed them chick starter....I would occasionally feed them scrambled eggs as a special treat!

 

[aggiemae]

I don't feed scraps, however I do add active culture yogurt (1:1) to the chick feed on day 2-4 or immediately if I buy chicks. Does it matter? Can't say for sure but I have not had a single occurrence of pasty butt since is started to do this.

I have used local chick feed that contains fish meal, it also contained grit. The chicks loved it. I can't find it this year.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't feed scraps, however I do add active culture yogurt (1:1) to the chick feed on day 2-4 or immediately if I buy chicks. Does it matter? Can't say for sure but I have not had a single occurrence of pasty butt since is started to do this.

I have used local chick feed that contains fish meal, it also contained grit. The chicks loved it. I can't find it this year.

In most creatures the young will consume some of their mothers poop in order to get the correct gut bacteria, and get the gut working working. Since pasty doesn't occur in broody raised chicks like it does in our brooded chicks I would assume your use of yoghurt gives them some gut bacteria that they are requiring. I may try it myself.

 

[Threewyandottes]

yeah, i have heard of adding yogurt to prevent pasty butt.