Is it wrong to feed my 7wk old chicks their feed moistened in the morning

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Hello, in the AM, I give my 7 week old chicks their feed with some water added to make it soft and warm with a few added blueberries or banana. Is this routine wrong? My thinking is because its chilly in the high 50’s from 6am-8am.
thank you for your expertise.

 

[Cassandra Lana]

Sounds fine to me . Serving wet food now like a treat can make it easier to give medication when they are older. just remember that they should have normal food all the time!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I feed wet feed every morning. I offer enough that they eat it all within an hour so it doesn't spoil. I have done this for many years without issue.
Do be sure to keep dry feed available all day too.

 

[Aapomp831]

If you are available to do this all the time, go ahead…. But, you’re just creating spoiled chickens. It’s going to be harder to go away and have someone watch them. Also - they shouldn’t have bananas and berries everyday. Bananas are way too high in sugar (the berries are ok but still need to fed in moderation). Honestly, I think this is a bad plan and not realistic as something you can keep up for the long term - chickens don’t even really need treats if they forage. This is essential growing time; if you want to continue the wet mash that’s fine but the berries and bananas need to stop and be fed independently from their actual food as treats and in serious moderation.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Also be sure there is grit available to them, naturally or offered by you, if they are eating anything other than crumble.

Cute birds! GLWs?

 

[Frankiegirl]

I offer my older girls scrambled egg and a bit of oatmeal in the winter. The snack is more for me than them. Dont forget to offer chick grit for them if you are giving them something other than their feed. They will take what they need but it is important for their digestion to have grit available. Good luck spoiling your chicks!

 

[sourland]

Not necessary, but a nice touch and surely not a problem. They are lucky birds.

 

[Sally PB]

I give my chicks and chickens their usual food wetted as a mash as their main treat in the afternoon. It's a great way to use up the "fines," the tiny bits that they tend to ignore, that fall to the bottom of their feed bowl. Since it is their main feed, it doesn't dilute the nutrients that they get. It can be made with warm water in the cold months and cold water in the hot months.

As someone said, it's a good way to get them a liquid ______ (whatever) should you need to. I add other things in small amounts, but not everyday.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Wet food is fine, anytime. Unless its in danger of freezing solid before they can eat it. Be careful with the blueberries and bananas - treats should not exceed 10% of diet by weight, you risk unbalancing their dietary intake.

 

[peeper89]

delicious!