Is it okay?

[HappyClucker7]

I have four chicks that are a little under a week old. They are being raised by a broody hen. Every time I give the hen some treats, she clucks for the chicks to come and they take some of the food. Then I have to go running around like a mad person trying to get the food out of the chick's mouths. I can't get it all away in time though.
Should I be trying harder to stop them from eating the food? Or is it okay to let them eat it?
Thanks.

 

[Oncoming Storm]

The hen will teach them what to eat. I wouldn’t worry. I let my broody hens raise chicks without intervention. They teach them how to scratch and to eat the food as it’s thrown out. If you feed the hen the treats then she’ll teach them to as well. As long as it’s not huge chunks they should be fine.

 

[The Happster]

I have the same problem every time.
Really, it depends on what you're giving her.
Also they should have access to grit if they are getting treats.
The amount of times I have tried to sneak something to a broody only to end up having her call the little scamps.

 

[Flockincrazy]

I have four chicks that are a little under a week old. They are being raised by a broody hen. Every time I give the hen some treats, she clucks for the chicks to come and they take some of the food. Then I have to go running around like a mad person trying to get the food out of the chick's mouths. I can't get it all away in time though.
Should I be trying harder to stop them from eating the food? Or is it okay to let them eat it?
Thanks.

Just let them eat it if it wasn't ok the hen wouldn't let them have it

 

[The Happster]

Just let them eat it if it wasn't ok the hen wouldn't let them have it

Actually I disagree.
I have to constantly pull huge bugs out of my chicks mouths that the hen gives them. I have had at least three close encounters where the chick couldn't get it in or out.
The hen teaches them what is edible but doesn't seem to care about the size much.

 

[Oncoming Storm]

Actually I disagree.
I have to constantly pull huge bugs out of my chicks mouths that the hen gives them. I have had at least three close encounters where the chick couldn't get it in or out.
The hen teaches them what is edible but doesn't seem to care about the size much.

I didn’t consider that I have so many big fluffers that all the big stuff gets gobbled up before the little ones can find it.

 

[HappyClucker7]

So, if the pieces are small enough, it's fine? Also, are there certain things the chicks should not eat at all?

 

[The Happster]

Well other than the usual things chickens shouldn't eat.... And layers pellets, no I think most things are ok.
You should try yogurt. It's hilarious watching the joy on their fluffy faces.

 

[HappyClucker7]

Okay, thanks! I'll give them some yogurt tonight.

 

[Flockincrazy]

So, if the pieces are small enough, it's fine? Also, are there certain things the chicks should not eat at all?

If the pieces are small they are fine if you wouldn't feed it to the big ones don't feed it to the little ones i raise mealworms and i just make sure i don't get the big ones till my chicks are bigger