introducing bugs to chicks

[ladybuglives]

Last night I put some sprigs of kale in with my 3 week old chicks. The sprigs were covered with aphids. They LOVED them! Is this okay at this age and how much can I give them. A lot of info says to give them chopped hard boiled egg, insects, worms but nothing says how much of this. I feed them Purina Flock Raiser and throw grit ontop. How much of the extras can I give to my six girls???? Thanks...

 

[Miss Red]

I give my chicks bugs as soon as they eat them. Mama hens don't wait to give them bugs, they find one and they're clucking up a storm to get the chicks to come over. IMO there is no proper age, just when they want to eat them.

 

[WillnGina]

From what I've read supplemental feeding shouldn't be more than 10% of their overall diet. Of course that's hard to gauge, I just give mine a little snacky every other day or so when it comes to eggs or yogurt and I throw them bugs pretty much whenever I see the opportunity. Just make sure they have some access to some gritty soil or grit to help them digest.

 

[SunnyDawn]

I give mine treats twice a day. The veggies and bugs are what they would normally eat anyway so it is not a problem but I do like to make sure they eat some of their starter crumbles since it has some essential nutrients in it they need. I don't see any problem with what you're doing.