New to chickenhood

[snoble]

Hi Everyone! I am new to the world of chickens. I just got my first 6 little ones last week and so far so good. I have done a ton of reading prior to getting my babies, but I do have a question. My babies are almost 2 weeks old. When should I start giving them other things to eat beside their chick starter?

 

[Abriana]

You could put some greens in there and see what they do. Greens such as lettuce, cabbage, or some grass that doesn't have pesticides on it or any type of weed killer or poison are good choices. Break them into small pieces. If they want them, they will eat them. usually you only put a chick stick (a stick of nuts, seeds, and protein that you can hang in the brooder box) in the chick's box if they are pecking on another, but you can put one in also. When i have chicks, at least once a day I take them outside to play in the grass. They love it. Enjoy your chicks!

 

[drumstick diva]

No rush to give them anything but their chick feed - this early. Chicks(chickens) are like kids with candy, they prefer treats and will turn up their beaks at nutritional food which they really need.

Treats should never exceed 10% of their total diet.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I agree with D/Diva. Before giving any additional food, I'd suggest reading this link - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/891051/the-science-of-feeding-grit-to-poultry

These links may also be helpful:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-and-raising-chicks
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raising-your-baby-chicks
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

Best wishes
CT

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Welcome to BYC - so glad you've joined us and congrats on your six new additions

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under snoble

Welcome & Congratulations!

Treats was a recent Topic of the Week and you might find this thread helpful and/or interesting: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1161068/topic-of-the-week-feeding-treats

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[snoble]

You could put some greens in there and see what they do. Greens such as lettuce, cabbage, or some grass that doesn't have pesticides on it or any type of weed killer or poison are good choices. Break them into small pieces. If they want them, they will eat them. usually you only put a chick stick (a stick of nuts, seeds, and protein that you can hang in the brooder box) in the chick's box if they are pecking on another, but you can put one in also. When i have chicks, at least once a day I take them outside to play in the grass. They love it. Enjoy your chicks!

Thanks for the help!
It is still pretty chilly in Southern Indiana, how long should I let them stay outside?