Normal for 5 day old chicks?

[karincs]

My four 5 day old chicks have learned to throw food out of their feeder to the point that they empty the 1 qt container in just a few hours. Then it looks like at least one of them is trying to take a dust bath in it....
Otherwise they are doing what I would expect 5 day olds to do--eat, poop, nap...
I just didn't think the dust bath in the chick crumbles would occur to them at this point!

 

[subhanalah]

They love dust bathing!
To reduce feed waste, you can try fermenting their feed! It also has other benefits.
It has made a HUGE difference in my chicks!

 

[aart]

I made a screen covered box stand for the feeder so any spilled/flicked crumble can be gathered back into the feeder.

I also don't fill it real full, none in the jar itself, so it's less likely to beaked out.
The screen is removable so what's in the box can be poured back in the feeder.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

I made a screen covered box stand for the feeder so any spilled/flicked crumble can be gathered back into the feeder.

I also don't fill it real full, none in the jar itself, so it's less likely to beaked out.
The screen is removable so what's in the box can be poured back in the feeder.

That is a clever idea--but as Subhanala suggested fermented feed would solve the problem and go a long way in promoting their good health. It is what I do, too, and I love it. It is easy to start, just read up on BYC there is lots of information! Anyhoot, I think your box is very clever!

 

[subhanalah]

I made a screen covered box stand for the feeder so any spilled/flicked crumble can be gathered back into the feeder. I also don't fill it real full, none in the jar itself, so it's less likely to beaked out. The screen is removable so what's in the box can be poured back in the feeder.

this is what I would do if I had ducks!

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Oh and welcome to BYC!

 

[karincs]

Thank you for the welcome!

Great idea of the mesh covered box--I'm currently using a large (32"x20") tote for my brooder--not sure if I can find a box big enough to sit under the feeder and still have room for my chicks to run around...
I've definitely learned there is no point in putting any more chick starter in the feeder than what is held in the tray!

I started reading up on fermented feed--oh my gosh--there is like 1200 pages in the thread! It sounds like it started off for meat chickens but now is also given to layers (which are what my four are)?
I need to keep reading. Once I figure out how to make smaller batches I'll give it a try!

 

[aart]

Thank you for the welcome!

Great idea of the mesh covered box--I'm currently using a large (32"x20") tote for my brooder--not sure if I can find a box big enough to sit under the feeder and still have room for my chicks to run around...
I've definitely learned there is no point in putting any more chick starter in the feeder than what is held in the tray!

I started reading up on fermented feed--oh my gosh--there is like 1200 pages in the thread! It sounds like it started off for meat chickens but now is also given to layers (which are what my four are)?
I need to keep reading. Once I figure out how to make smaller batches I'll give it a try!

The mesh covered box is 9" x 9" x 3", they can walk on it so it really doesn't deduct floor space and they'll like hopping up and down with it....tho you're going to need more room soon anyway. Good Luck!