Pet chickens, Raising and Socialization

[Celtic Hill]

What do you guys do to "imprint" on your chicks?

 

[GotChicken?]

WAXWORMS.

Once they realize they're yummy, your chicks will morph into pirhanas who will run to the brooder entrance in anticipation of more waxworms!

 

[BoerneChickens]

GotChicken? :

WAXWORMS.

Once they realize they're yummy, your chicks will morph into pirhanas who will run to the brooder entrance in anticipation of more waxworms!

Are Waxworms the smae as meal worms? Sorry - new to this and haven't heard of them before

 

[Kristian]

Well I try to handle them as much as possible. Especially when feed time is coming so that they can Associate me with positive things. But if you really whant to inprint on them its better just to treat them as a pet bird and just hang out with them on your shoulder and feed them treats.

Their smarter then some people think.

 

[GotChicken?]

Quote:
Are Waxworms the smae as meal worms? Sorry - new to this and haven't heard of them before

Same thing. However, they should be called "turn your chicks into freakshows" worms.

 

[BoerneChickens]

How old do they have to be to start getting them? I've read you need to introduce grit when you start giving them bugs and things?

 

[Celtic Hill]

Humm okay thanks! How much is "too much" handling? what did i get myself into...??? lol 9 chickens is alot lol, i have alot cut out for me!

 

[Carenm]

So when you introduce treats do you need to also give them grit to help it break down?

 

[chkinut]

maybe somebody that has more knowledge than me can correct me if i'm wrong....but i DO believe that yes, once u start giving them treats (bugs, greens) they'll need the grit.

 

[felidaet]

You need to provide grit when they start eating anything other than chick starter feed. Make sure you use chick grit. Chicken grit is to big until they are at least 12 weeks old. I prefer to offer grit free choice 24 x 7 in it's own container. I do not sprinkle it on their food.

There is no such thing as "too much" handling. The more you handle them the first few weeks the friendlier they will be. I will be getting 25 chicks the first week of April. I am already inviting some of my 10 year old daughter's friends over to handle them. They are all responsible kids but still will only be allowed to handle the chicks with close adult supervision.