Feeding Treats to chicks.

[the_great_snag]

I would avoid fruit when they near laying age if you are raising layers. I understand it can put them off their laying for several weeks.

I'd be inclined to wait until they are older or only feed them treats in extreme moderation. You definitely should make sure they are getting grit too if you are giving than anything but chick starter.

Also, if you are making mash with chick starter and water, be sure to keep the dishes clean and not leave it in the brooder too long. Anytime you are feeding fresh (read: moist) foods, there is an increased risk of bacteria and generally unsanitary conditions for your animals.

I'm probably boring, but I try to feed dry nutrionally balanced feed until they are big enough to free range. Then it seems like they become little garbage disoposals!

 

[shack]

I have 9 chicks hatched by broody hen that are 2 weeks old. I keep chick starter in a feeder for them. They eat the starch feed I put out for the hen. Out side the barn they eat grass,weed leaves just sprouting and ever bug or worm the hen can find for them. I have 44 chicks in brooders under heat lights and these 9 chicks are running around outside . They appear more active and heathy ,I guess, Mother Nature knows best.
Good luck with your chicks. shack

 

[chookchick]

I gave my chicks treats starting at a week. Like they would have if they were with mommy. I'm also programming them that I am "the bringer of good things". The first thing they got was chick scratch with grit. Then chopped up bird seed with sunflower seeds. Then at two weeks I gave them ripped up grass pieces and ripped spinach. Tried plain yogurt and washed cottage cheese, but no takers yet. At four weeks I bring in leaves for them to scratch through and get bugs. All this stuff keeps them busy scratching around and keeps them out of trouble. I think the greens also help the poo from stinking--everyone is surprised that they don't smell!

 

[Nicola]

i think u can feed them yougurt

 

[bethandjoeync]

I guess my thinking is, chickens and chicks have survived for this long without actual 'chick feed' for thier diets, so things that are nutritional should only add to it.

I have only given them crickets every few days, and they love me for it. it makes their minds work, because they have to chase them around, then chase the chicks that a squeaking because he has one, and they have to work for it. I will probably do the grass thing before too long, because I bet they would like that.

the mother hen would be showing them all of these delicious treats if they were with one, so why not give it to them? in moderation of course. but poo seems to be normal and energy levels are great! and growth is super! I don't see anything to worry about at this point, for me.

 

[hobbyfarmrookie]

My one week old chicks are let out to roam the yard under supervision of course, one in particular will dig up a worm in a hurry and devour it before the others even realize she has found a worm. I would recommend letting them roam a little and they will find their own treats as part of their natural instinct. Keep in mind I'm new to this but my 12 week old chicks were allowed to do the same thing and they now love to be let out of the run and free range, they return when full. It is as if the natural instinct tells them what to eat and if they can't find it they eat the feed.

 

[PostalChick]

My chicks are a month old and I just started giving them treats. They tore up a waffle the other day! And some cooked carrots were like candy to them.

 

[bethandjoeync]

get a couple of medium sized to large size crickets. you will laugh your socks off, watching them run around and tear them apart!!!!

 

[abanjaf]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who enjoys watching chicken rugby with crickets!!!

 

[txchickie]

I throw all caution to the wind. LOL While the majority of their diet is chick starter, I offer them (meaning my 5+ day olds

) wheat grass, oats, sprouts, cottage cheese, etc.... Not a lot, but maybe once a day a small portion to all of them.

And out of 56 chicks, I've only lost one. And it was a touchy siutation from the get-go.

All are thriving and totally healthy.