Question for those of you who have raised bantams -

[Kelly G]

I have ordered 21 bantams from Ideal and they are scheduled to ship on March 3rd.

My question: Is it really necessary to put the chick starter into the blender?

This is 2010!!!! Don't laugh....I don't even own a blender!

 

[bantybev]

I am not as experianced as most on this board, but I do have 3 -6 week old bantams I have raised from the egg. When mine first hatched they ate crumbled chick starter just fine. I have heard of blending the starter for quail, which are even smaller, but don't think bantams need to have it blended.
I did find out mine just loved to have it moistened with warm water. They prefer it like that even at 6 weeks old. But they were just fine before I started spoiling them this way

I'd just try it for yourself as it comes, straight from the bag at first...and if they don't seem to be eating...try moistening it. But beware, once they prefer it as a warm mash, they tend to get spoiled

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

more than half my birds are bantams, the only feed that I made finer is for a serama chicks, (they are so small) and when i do, I place the feed in a bag and use a hammer or a meat tenderizer

 

[sonew123]

I never heard of that? hmmm..I have bantams and raise silkies-they are small when they hatch.. I always put them on medicated mash and they have never had problems eating that?

 

[Year of the Rooster]

I ordered Silkies and Sebrights from Ideal. I just used crumble and they did fine

 

[kyeschicks]

nop I never blend it

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Just feed from the bag. They'll eat it just fine.

 

[Kelly G]

PHEW! That's a relief!!! Thanks, guys! I was consoling myself with the thought of nice frozen drinks this summer if I had to buy a blender!

 

[ChickyLaura]

I agree. My bantams ate the stuff right out of the bag! I never blended mine.

Good luck, and have fun!

 

[Msbear]

I add a little warm water to the feed and mix it up with my finger. I think the extra moisture helps with pasty butt and makes it easier for them to eat it.