Newbie with questions about feeding chicks

[bellachicks]

Hello. I am happy to be on day 11 of chick ownership. I am wading through chicken books and articles and wanted to get your opinions.
The chicks are 11 days old. They are eating Purina Start and Grow Medicated Chick Feed http://poultry.purinamills.com/OURPRODUCTS/Products/StartGrow/default.aspx

At what point developmentally may they have treats? Is when treats happen the time when I add "grit" to the offering in a separate dish?

I love this little girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(at least I think they are girls ...........)

Thank you!

 

[cgmccary]

Hello. I am happy to be on day 11 of chick ownership. I am wading through chicken books and articles and wanted to get your opinions.
The chicks are 11 days old. They are eating Purina Start and Grow Medicated Chick Feed http://poultry.purinamills.com/OURPRODUCTS/Products/StartGrow/default.aspx

At what point developmentally may they have treats? Is when treats happen the time when I add "grit" to the offering in a separate dish?

I love this little girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(at least I think they are girls ...........)

Thank you!

When I brooder raise chicks, I keep them on the Starter at least 4 weeks before I introduce them to rolled oats, sunflower seed, a little green grass and then a little later, my five way scratch. Just before I introduce these extras, I let them have grit available.

My chicks raised with hens in pens are introduced to those things about the same time. My luckiest chicks raised with game hens on free range outside enjoy everything from day one. A good hen will take and show them what to eat. With brooder chicks, it is your job.

I have found that it is important to introduce chicks to different foods you want them to eat later (tomatoes, watermelon, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, whole oats, rolled oats, etc.) -- this way, it is something they readily eat & enjoy later. hens are really good at showing chicks what to eat. I throw bugs, cut worms, insects in so the penned hens can show the chicks what a morsel a bug or grub can be.

Again, make some grit or clean sand available for them. Good Luck to You and Enjoy!