Feeding the babies/chickens bird seed, and what else?

[Xanatos]

I am curious as to whether or not bird seed (the kind you throw out for wild birds) is good/bad for chicks/chickens.

Also, what other sorts of things can I find naturally to feed them? grasses? etc? Ive been foraging worms for my baby chicks and they seem to really love them!

 

[Katy]

Bird seed is ok as a treat for them, but as a steady diet it's not the best for them.

 

[chookchick]

I think different treats are good for chicks, in moderation. Like kids, they need to learn to eat stuff when they are young, and it keeps them busy and happy. You could look at the treats chart here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart
Crumbled egg yolk is also very good for them. Make sure they have "chick grit" available at all times to digest this stuff.

 

[Xanatos]

what is chick grit?

 

[Xanatos]

and where can I get it?

 

[cmom]

Quote:
Chick grit is finer than regular grit. TSC sells Chick Grit. I give it to my chicks as free choice. they may scatter it some but will scratch and get what they want/need.

 

[Xanatos]

tsc?

 

[dot n'dave]

Tractor Supply Co

 

[Pennae]

can ckicks eat budgie seed

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes, as a treat. But to get the most mileage out of it, I'd sprout it. They'll need access to grit.