How soon can I start feeding my chicks scraps?

[eich831]

Hi, I'm new to raising chickens and to BYC; this site and forums have been really helpful!
I have 25 new chicks that were hatched June 1 so they are 5 days old now...still sooo cute

...anyways, they seem to be adjusting well to their environment. I am wondering if it's alright to start laying some veggie/fruit scraps in their box to peck at? I have a lettuce core, and a (too soft for my eating) tomato. What are your thoughts/advice/experiences? Thanks in advance!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Congrats on your new chicks! It is best to wait on the treats until they are 2 weeks of age. It is very important that every bite a chick eats comes from their chick starter. They are growing very fast and need good proteins, vitamins and minerals to develop good brain function and all their internal organs. Chicks can easily become deficient because they are growing so fast.

But after a couple of weeks, yes you can start to add small amounts of things. I would keep it to a very small amounts until they are 6 weeks of age. Then you can give them a few extra treats.

Here is our treats chart of things that most chickens enjoy....https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

Enjoy your new babies! If you have any questions about them, feel free to ask around the forums.

Welcome to our flock!

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided join our flock. TwoCrows has given you some good advice. There is a good guide on feeding treats to chickens (including chicks) at http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/chicken-treats-guide-dont-love-your.html. Please feel free to ask other any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck with your chicks.

 

[drumstick diva]

So glad you joined the flock. What breeds do you have?

 

[eich831]

Thank you for all the input! I have buff orpingtons, rhode island reds, barred & white rocks, black australorps, and isa browns. I love watching them especially when I added the sand/dirt box this morning! One of the isa's found a tiny worm and a few went nuts chasing her around trying to get it from her! Hilarious!

 

[TwoCrows]

Thank you for all the input! I have buff orpingtons, rhode island reds, barred & white rocks, black australorps, and isa browns. I love watching them especially when I added the sand/dirt box this morning! One of the isa's found a tiny worm and a few went nuts chasing her around trying to get it from her! Hilarious!

You have a nice mix of breeds! Your Buff Orps and the Black Aussies are very friendly breeds and if you spend a lot of time handling these birds as chicks, you will have a bunch of lap sitters!

Get out an old sheet and lay it down on the living room floor. Sit down with your chicks in the middle and they will all gravitate to your lap. This makes a good bonding session with you and your chicks and trains them to enjoy your lap too.

Enjoy your babies!

 

[eich831]

You have a nice mix of breeds! Your Buff Orps and the Black Aussies are very friendly breeds and if you spend a lot of time handling these birds as chicks, you will have a bunch of lap sitters! 

Get out an old sheet and lay it down on the living room floor. Sit down with your chicks in the middle and they will all gravitate to your lap. This makes a good bonding session with you and your chicks and trains them to enjoy your lap too.

Enjoy your babies!

Awww...that sounds like a sweet idea! Will definitely try that, thanks!

 

[nj2wv]

welcome to BYC !!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens! I am glad you joined us!