feeding

[doris76]

what is the best thing to be feeding my 2 day old chicks,, they are still in the coop with the hen

 

[Judy]

Feed the chicks and the hens with them chick feed, or starter, or starter/grower. All are much the same thing. If there are laying hens in the same flock, just have some oyster shell in a separate container for hens who need extra calcium.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

from WA state!

Well, congrats on your new babies!

You don't want to feed them layer feed until they are laying, since it has way too much calcium, so I recommend feeding everyone in the coop where the chicks are Flock Raiser or unmedicated chick starter, both 20% protein. For your layers you can provide oyster shell on the side.

If you have a bag of layer feed and want to get rid of it, you can mix it in slowly so as to get rid of it without causing a problem for the non-layers.

Make sure they can get up to the feeders and waterers. Also if they might drown in the waterer, you can put small rocks or marbles in the lip. I usually just put a chick waterer in there and don't provide a step up to the big waterer, for safety. But I do provide a brick as a step to the feeders.

 

[doris76]

thanks that's great, I have been feeding them liquidised oats is this ok...

 

[Judy]

For a day or two it probably is, but they need real chick feed, for the various vitamins and minerals, and other components of a complete feed.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

For a day or two it probably is, but they need real chick feed, for the various vitamins and minerals, and other components of a complete feed.

x2 if you cannot make it to the store, chopped boiled eggs or scrambled eggs is the most perfect food for chicks.