Proper starter food for chicks

[4H kids and mom]

w8tn4...The medicated feed will help them build an immunity to Cocci, so as long as they arent vaccinated for Cocci, feeding them the medicated feed is fine.

The first day they get to you, you can put a little sugar or Kyro syrup in their water if they had a long or stressing trip, or if they look like they need a "boost". Take each one out one at a time and gently dip their beak in the water so they take their first drink. I also do the same to show them where the food is. At this age, you dont need to, and really shouldn't, give them anything else other than their starter feed and water. Some people use vitamins in the water to get them off to a good start, but you should only use the sugar or Kyro syrup on that first day. After that, they dont need it. You said you bought some medicine for their water...what is it exactly, so we can tell you what it does and wether you need it or not.

They will only need chick grit if you are giving them ANYTHING in addition to their chick starter feed (wether it be boiled eggs, bugs, etc). Chick starter already has some grit in it, so they dont need more if thats all your feeding. Do NOT feed them oyster shell at this age. They wont need that until they reach laying age (around 18-20 weeks) and if fed it now you can actually make them very sick (Calcium poisoning, and other problems).

The puppy pads sound good, just watch that they dont eat the plastic edging on them. Plastic in their little tummies could bind them and lead to an early death.

 

[crazylilchick]

I was going to have McMurray vax for cocci but none of the local feed stores carried anything but medicated chick starter so I skipped the vaccine. McMurray says to start baby grit on day 3 but I cant find baby size grit so what should I use? Also, when can you give them table scraps? We had some strawberries that had some bruises my kids wouldn't eat but I wasn't sure I could give any to 1wk old chicks. I have given them grass clippings because they were viscously pecking each others toes and it work! I also switched to a red bulb instead of the white. Now everyone is playing nice.

 

[w8tn4fresheggs]

Update. Chicks arrived. I have the medicated crumbles. They were vaccinated against the Mereks (sp) I gave them water at first with a little sugar in it. Now it is just plain water.

I did have chick grit and give them a little bit each day. Only because I can't resist giving them treats once or twice a day. Usually hard boiled egg yolk.

I need to stop the treats for awhile. I don't want to start any issues with them remaining healthy. They learn fast though they know when I have the treat dish and come scrambling to it.

I have been using the puppy pads and have had no issues. I did put in pine shavings after a few days. They love to scratch at it. I think sometimes they eat it and sometimes not. I think they are happier with it being in there then not.

I have checked butts several times a day and have had to clean a few times. I continue to watch the butts, only because I am not sure of the pine eating issues.

On Monday they will be a week old. I picked them up on Wednesday. It has been fun, fun fun.

I even put them in our living room instead of the bathroom so that they have natural light. My husband, who didn't want them in the first place, said " It about time you let them have some sunlight".

Thanks for everyone for your advise regarding feeding.