Hey everyone! I’m new here, but so excited to be a part of this community! I’ve wanted to raise chickens for so long, and my husband and I finally have the yard to do so. Last Sunday we picked up our first chicks from a local family breeder—5 Buff Orpingtons. We were told they were 5-7 days old, so at this point, they’re 12-14 days old.
We were told “guaranteed females,” but I’m curious about one. It’s comb is more prominent than the others at this point and it’s way more bold! It’s been fun to interact with it as it will come right up to my hand when I go in to clean and feed. Is it too early to know for sure?
Also, another question that I’m having a hard time finding a clear answer to: I’ve started to give them strawberry, blueberry, and zucchini treats a couple days ago (I only give it to them once a day so it’s not ruining their appetite for the starter). Anyway, I put grit in the brooder with them and they love it! I’ve read that they shouldn’t eat too much but I should also leave it available if they’re eating anything other than starter. Is too much harmful? Should I only offer it to them when the other foods is out?
We were told “guaranteed females,” but I’m curious about one. It’s comb is more prominent than the others at this point and it’s way more bold! It’s been fun to interact with it as it will come right up to my hand when I go in to clean and feed. Is it too early to know for sure?
Also, another question that I’m having a hard time finding a clear answer to: I’ve started to give them strawberry, blueberry, and zucchini treats a couple days ago (I only give it to them once a day so it’s not ruining their appetite for the starter). Anyway, I put grit in the brooder with them and they love it! I’ve read that they shouldn’t eat too much but I should also leave it available if they’re eating anything other than starter. Is too much harmful? Should I only offer it to them when the other foods is out?