How to feed carrot for treat?

[TimM]

I sliced a fresh carrot about 1/4 inch thick, thinking they would have fun pecking at the slices. (I'm a total newbie!) Instead, they half-heartedly pecked at them a little, then wandered away. Hours later the carrots were untouched, so I tossed them in the compost. Did I give up too soon? Or should I use a peeler to make thin strips? Or are carrots a bad treat?

Tim

 

[Judy]

Carrots are fine. It may be a matter of their getting used to them. You might start by chopping them fine or running them through a food processor or, yes, use a peeler but chop any long strips. After they learn, they may peck a whole one to pieces.

Here is the BYC treat chart: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

 

[teach1rusl]

You'll find through experimentation that your chickens will like certain foods and not like certain foods. Mine don't like carrots (or green beans). I had one girl who would literally back away from spaghetti like it was a contageous disease while the others attacked it. I guess it's like people; some like certain foods while others don't

 

[crawfordmama]

I would try cutting it into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. I found that on average, I have to introduce treats twice before my girls really eat any of it. They are a bit 'chicken' and are scared of new things.

 

[redhen]

Mine liked carrots cooked better than raw...
but if you dont want to cook them.. i would shred them.

 

[TennesseeTruly]

I shred the carrots and my chickens go nuts over them!

 

[OregonChickenGal]

I use the coarse side of my grater, they eat them right up. They think they're orange worms. LOL

 

[Bubbe511]

Carrots are fine. It may be a matter of their getting used to them. You might start by chopping them fine or running them through a food processor or, yes, use a peeler but chop any long strips. After they learn, they may peck a whole one to pieces.

Here is the BYC treat chart: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

Does this apply to chicks also or is there a minimum age to introduce treats

 

[Bubbe511]

Does this apply to chicks also or is there a minimum age to introduce treats

 

[21hens-incharge]

Does this apply to chicks also or is there a minimum age to introduce treats

It is probably best to start a new thread.....
Judy has not logged on in a few years sadly.

I think your question would fit in the raising baby chicks area here....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/raising-baby-chicks.11/

I can tell you that I personally do not introduce treats until mine are 12 weeks old. I want mine eating a proper balance and the chick starter is designed to do that.