First timer has some questions

[Ravynscroft]

Bread is actually not good for chicks/chickens, maybe a few crumbs once in a while, but not much. Nothing salty, salt is very bad for them.
Generally, at 2-3 weeks old you just want to give them chick starter. You can start giving them a few mealworms, but you need to make sure they have grit with them. But until 6 weeks, it is a good idea to keep it simple and just give them their chick feed.

 

[Madddawg]

OK noted. They do have chick starter, We shredded up a piece of bread to see if they liked it. I figured I should ask before we do it again. Thanks.

 

[jtn42248]

OK noted. They do have chick starter, We shredded up a piece of bread to see if they liked it. I figured I should ask before we do it again. Thanks.

If you give them anything other than chick starter you MUST also provide chick grit for them so that they can digest the food.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I wait until the birds are outside until they get treats and leftovers. They have access to their own grit from the ground at that time. I do break up bread cues and use as a training treat. They love old bread and it works great getting them to come running when you call to them.

People have a lot of guidelines for supplement feeding. In general it's common sense and I don't have leftovers everyday. If it's lacking in protein then it's a treat or vitamin (greens) supplement and should be limited. Leftover meat lasagna or chile I consider a meal. My coop is beside the compost pile so it's decided there, they get something of everything headed to the compost but if not completely nutritional I limit how much they get and rest goes to the compost.