How much food for chicks?

[nola_chickens]

I just brought home some day-old chicks-- should I leave the feeder and waterer in their box all the time?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Yes. They do not just eat one or two meals a day like a dog but kind of munch all day. It is best to let them have food all the time free choice.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Absolutely. They need water and food at all times. I didn't start keeping the food and water in the run only until 6 weeks of age.

They also need grit if you are going to free range or give treats/other food. Just sprinkle it like salt (according to my hatchery's instructions) at 3 days of age. They can fill up on the grit at first if they don't know better. I gave it anyways at 3 days since I saw some of mine eating shavings at times.

 

[33yardbirds]

Yes, always keep it available, even when some rest the others will be packing in the feed.