Hello BYCers!
I recently had two chicks hatch under my broody hen. I had separated Momma and eggs from the rest of the flock before they hatched. The chicks are 1 1/2 weeks old now. My flock all free-range during the day, a few days ago I decided to let Momma and chicks out to free-range also with the rest of the flock. Of course I watched to be sure the flock didn't get an attitude with Momma & babies. Everything went great, everyone just did their own thing. Momma & babies even went to the coop and run to scratch around, nobody even seem to care. Even the roo let one of the chicks have a piece of cracked corn he was about to eat. Momma & babies even went into a nest box when the others came into the coop to roost in the evening. I have let them out the last two days with no problems.
However, I always put Momma & chicks back in their hutch later in the day because I worry the chicks need the Chick Starter. If I put the Starter out while the chicks free-range the other chickens will eat it.
My question is... if the chicks free-range during the day do they still need Chick Starter?
Tips and input are always appreciated!!!!
I recently had two chicks hatch under my broody hen. I had separated Momma and eggs from the rest of the flock before they hatched. The chicks are 1 1/2 weeks old now. My flock all free-range during the day, a few days ago I decided to let Momma and chicks out to free-range also with the rest of the flock. Of course I watched to be sure the flock didn't get an attitude with Momma & babies. Everything went great, everyone just did their own thing. Momma & babies even went to the coop and run to scratch around, nobody even seem to care. Even the roo let one of the chicks have a piece of cracked corn he was about to eat. Momma & babies even went into a nest box when the others came into the coop to roost in the evening. I have let them out the last two days with no problems.
However, I always put Momma & chicks back in their hutch later in the day because I worry the chicks need the Chick Starter. If I put the Starter out while the chicks free-range the other chickens will eat it.
My question is... if the chicks free-range during the day do they still need Chick Starter?

Tips and input are always appreciated!!!!
