New here! Can I give my baby chicks and keets sourdough starter?

[cqangie29]

Hi guys, I'm new here! I just bought baby chicks and keets for the 1st time. I have 9 chicks and 6 keets. I have sourdough starter for bread and I was wondering if it's safe to feed chicks the starter? I know adult chickens can eat it, but wasn't sure if it was so harsh for the babies? Thank you so much .I'm excited and happy to be here

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!!

I don't have any experience with that, but I'm sure someone else will know!

Feel free to check out the links below for some interesting reading. Good luck to you!

 

[SueT]

Welcome to BYC..I would not give them raw sourdough. Feed them regular grower feed, that is all they need. If you like the idea of beneficial organisms, you can ferment the poultry feed.
Edited to add, anything other than their regular chick feed will dilute the nutrition needed for growth.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC! I agree with SueT

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[cqangie29]

Welcome to BYC..I would not give them raw sourdough. Feed them regular grower feed, that is all they need. If you like the idea of beneficial organisms, you can ferment the poultry feed.
Edited to add, anything other than their regular chick feed will dilute the nutrition needed for growth.

OK, thank you so much!! So glad I asked

 

[feathermaid]

Thanks for joining BYC!

I agree with @SueT 's post. I also think it may be too sticky for chicks. Remember that any treats given will leave less space in their little system for required nutrition. Too much filler and not enough nutrients for growing bodies can make chicks weak and more susceptible to disease. I would skip it for now imo.

Best wishes with your new flock!!!

 

[Shadrach]

Hello cqangie29.
Welcome to BYC.
No treats for chicks is my rule unless mum digs them up.

 

[fldiver97]

Welcome Congrats on your new chicks! I agree - wait until they are older. Also make sure you provide some fine grit (coarse is ok for older chickens) if they eat anything other than chick starter.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[N F C]

Tell us what breeds you have, or better yet, share pictures

Thanks for joining us!