Let the Controversy Begin!!

[Buff Hooligans]

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Noodle, help yourself to some onion rings.

 

[StormyMoon]

I looked at it cause I thought this was a person who wanted to see how others felt about what she/he was speaking of, or was seeking advice on as there are so many ways people do things with their chickens, and how they raise them. I find each person unique and special in how they do things.
I love the differences and accept only what I feel is right for me, as should all people.

 

[Wynette]

toletiques - you have a good point in that often if you ask a question to 10 folks, you'll get 10 different answers.

I try to err on the side of caution; i.e., treats, but give chick grit. Why not? For sure, the grit won't hurt the chicks, and may actually help. However, giving treats they cannot digest without grit "could" potentially them. So - offer the grit. Won't hurt, might help!

 

[speckledhen]

Frankly, the advice you received from that person is probably the most sensible I've ever heard from anyone working in a feed store. I live within a few miles of six different ones and I've heard the wildest crud you can imagine.

That said, there are many ways to raise chickens. When I brood, yes they have a heat lamp for weeks and rarely go outside until it's in the 70's out there, usually around 4 weeks old. However, when they are with broody mama, they are out and about within three days, as long as the conditions are dry, in weather down into the 50's, but when they get cold, they cheep and mama hunkers down with them. They find their own grit, never get cocci, etc. I prefer that they are fed the age-appropriate feed for optimal growth, i.e., lower calcium levels and higher protein levels than adults. If they eat anything that must be ground, greens or grains, they need grit. If they can't get it themselves, you must provide it. If they are exclusively on starter, they don't need grit; it's fine enough.

I don't feed "treats" to chicks until they are around 10 weeks old, unless you consider chopped hardboiled eggs treats. Some feed nothing but scratch, but I take the condition of my birds over theirs any day. I've seen stunted growth in youngsters from improper feed.

Chicks will survive on many diets, though in my opinion, they may not exactly thrive.

And for the record, I don't think Buff's comment on the title of this thread was inappropriate or "not nice". Some responses here have been, in my opinion, somewhat snotty and rude. Let's stay civil, please, as Wynette has already requested.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Just a sidenote: BYC's official "The Chicken Lady" is not the person being referenced in the original post.

 

[vatterpa]

 

[Keara]

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I just want to add that I feel the same way. If momma hen does it than it's ok. I saw my bantie moms taking 4 day chicks out in the snow! Now I admit I wouldn't do that..... but I think the little buggers are sturdier than we give them credit for.

 

[SkyWarrior]

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