Hi everyone,,,What can i feed my 5 wk old ( almost 6 wks ) chicks other then the starter feed? I've tried eggs, and they seem not to like it. I was thinking about giving them a small amount of lettuce.. Not tried yogert yet..Any other ideas? And when can i put them out side? there in the back room and it stays about 68 to 70 in there..And of course we're still in winter,Here lately it's been in the mid 50's..But there talking it's going to turn off cold again..I only have the one coop,there for i'd have to put them in cages out side..What should i do? Just keep them inside till it warms up? And whats wrong with everyone?? Not telling me just how FAST chicks grow?? LOL Just kidding.....Thanks for your help. Mitch
They would have been outside 3 weeks ago if they were mine! Mine go in my chicken tractor at 2-3 weeks of age. They still have the heat lamp of course though. By 6 weeks they will be fine if they have a coop to go into to keep warm and dry and a lamp in there just in case they get chilled. They will probably be happy out in the outside temperature during the daytime though and only go under the lamp occasionally. You'll find that putting them out on grass will noticeably reduce their feed consumption ETA: A page about my chicken tractor: it does a great job of growing chicks up to adult size!!!! I'm so glad I built it! https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=27985-chicken-tractor
Thank you Tala for the info. I Liked the tractor idea...might just have to do that if i can fine a dog house soon...what about me feeding them something other then the starter feed? is it ok to feed them lettuce? Thanks again......
I wouldn't try lettuce like iceburg lettuce; it's mostly water. When you first introduce a new food you have to leave it in there with them for awhile, till they get over their fear of a new thing. Most chicks adore scrambled or hard boiled eggs and it's good for them. If they absolutely refuse to eat the egg after you've given them a chance to get used to it, try some plain non-fat yogurt. It helps to offer new foods in the same bowl every time. They'll learn to recognize that bowl as having good things to eat in it.
Also, if you feed anything besides starter in the brooder get them some chick sized grit from the feed store. If they are out on the yard they will find their own (sand, small gravel)
