New chick Mama…I need help

[Nana2-11]

hi everyone. My chicks are just over a week old. They seem healthy and happy. No problems that I can see so far. I check on them several times a day and they are in a baby playpen right next to my bed - (it’s still winter where I live) So I check on them during the night as well. My question is regarding their feed. I started with medicated chick crumble and after reading a lot of information about fermenting I wanted to try it. So 2 1/2 days ago I put 2 cups of feed with water in a plastic container with a loose lid and put it in my pantry. it seems to be going through the fermentation process the way it should (It has a fermenting smell to it and it bubbles up, etc) Having said that…I tried to give them a little right after I got the feed wet because some people say their chicks like wet feed that is not fermented soI thought I’d try that while the rest fermented. offered it to the chicks but they won’t go near it! I tried putting it in a dish, on my hand, on the floor, and they won’t eat it. They’re curious but won’t try it. What happened?

Did I make it wrong? Is it not ready yet? I have no idea what I did wrong. Can someone please help me?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Where do you live and is your coop ready for them?
Chicks kept next to your bed likely don't need medicated feed.
Medicated feed, in most cases, contains amprolium to prevent coccidiosis. Your chicks likely wouldn't have had an opportunity to encounter coccidia.
Chickens don't like change. I have introduced chicks to fermented feed and they eventually took to it. They will take to moistened feed and fermented feed eventually.
I like both wet and fermented feed because there is virtually no waste because the fines (where the goodies/added nutrients are) are bound up in the mass.

 

[Nana2-11]

Where do you live and is your coop ready for them?
Chicks kept next to your bed likely don't need medicated feed.
Medicated feed, in most cases, contains amprolium to prevent coccidiosis. Your chicks likely wouldn't have had an opportunity to encounter coccidia.
Chickens don't like change. I have introduced chicks to fermented feed and they eventually took to it. They will take to moistened feed and fermented feed eventually.
I like both wet and fermented feed because there is virtually no waste because the fines (where the goodiesadded nutrients are) are bound up in the mass.

I live in the White Mountains in Arizona. Our nights are cold, in the 20s and 30s and we have been known to get snow on Memorial day. So as far as the food goes, you recommend I keep trying? Someone recommended the feed and since I didn't know any better I bought it. I still have quite a bit left so this is it for now. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm so glad I found this site!! What a blessing!

 

[rosemarythyme]

So as far as the food goes, you recommend I keep trying?

Yes. But keep the ferment to small batches for now. They may take to eating it tomorrow, or it can take weeks (typical with my chicks), so you really don't want to make a large amount which will go to waste.

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens! We're glad that you popped in, and we hope that you enjoy your stay.
Good luck with your flock, and may God bless you.

 

[TexasTurkeyMama]

So, how did your chickens fare in the mountains of eastern Arizona?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Sorry to say, the OP hasn't been on since April.