Is it bad to feed treats to 7 weeks old chicks?

[ging3rhoffman]

I have thirteen 7 week old chicks and they run up to me when they see me just to see what I have for them. I throw them some birdseed and cracked corn, the cracked corn is cracked into tiny pieces then later in the day i give them each a few raisins. Sometimes I take them luke warm oatmeal or dry oatmeal. I am just wondering if they are getting to many treats or if its fine. They are eating their chick starter real well. The raisins that i give the are the ones in the tiny box.

 

[Debi214]

I have always given all of my chicks treats from the time they are 2 to 3 weeks old - they even love chick grit; gobble it up faster than cracked corn. Give them some protein snacks for feather development. Not too much cracked corn or fruit cause it makes their poo really runny & smelly. Veggies are great!

 

[gritsar]

The general rule of thumb is that their treats should not be more then 10% of their daily intake. While they are growing they really need the complete nutrition of their starter/grower. Like human peeps, they will fill up on the stuff they like most.

 

[Kim_NC]

I start giving treats at about 2 weeks. At first only greens - clover and snipped grass or chickweed. They'll need chick grit available if you feed treats.

I echo the 10% rule of thumb. I keep treats to that level for young birds. Even for adults, I never feed over 15% treats and then use a higher protein feed to balance protein intake.

 

[Chicken Fruit]

I'd give them grit. But my chicks have always gotten treats.