How many crickets can a chick eat

[Eggrigg]

Hello!

I looked through the forums and didn’t find anything so I apologize if this is a repeat topic!

I’ve been caring for 6 chicks (about 3 weeks old) and they are pretty obsessed with crickets and meal/wax worms. I have one chick I’ve been nursing from a head trauma injury (name is Maple) and she’s developed a serious head tilt. Because of this head tilt, she cannot drink water or eat food very well on her own. (I am giving her medication a vet prescribed and various vitamins; some improvement is showing). I also learned Maple loves crickets so I will hand feed them to her regularly. But I do not know if there’s a limit to how much she should eat a day or at a time. I usually give her a few when I see her attempting to eat her chick starter. Does anyone know how often/how many crickets she can eat? Also, are there times I shouldn’t syringe feed her water (ex: before or after feeding).

Thank you!

 

[Katonk]

From my limited experience I can help with nothing, but I can throw some info I read in my chicken Bible to you.
A new baby who is solely on starter doesn't need grit, but if a baby is eating anything else you need to provide grit that's been crushed to a grade that's appropriate for the age. It's been suggested that builders sand is good for a little guy, but your feed store should have what you need at a way better price. Starter will be easily digested without the aid of grit, but anything else should only be given to a chicken that has grit freely offered.
So there's that.
Now on the subject of treats.
Any kid no matter what species growing up on a diet that's heavy on the treats doesn't do well. Offer crickets once a week at most, and only a couple is the suggestion.
Other things you can offer are dandelions (root leaves flowers and all unwashed from an untreated area) grass clippings (tips no larger than an inch) and hard boiled egg (totally unseasoned).
Don't freak out about the egg.
An egg is made to be good food specifically for a baby chick.
Think of a scrambled egg as baby formula, but remember it's not supposed to be the bulk of a chicks diet.
Don't offer treats too often, balance is best.
And that's my two bits.