Ran out of starter feed!!!!

[jramirez]

HELP!!!! I ran out of starter feed yesterday and the feed store was already closed. so...my boyfriend decided to give my 3 & 4 week old chicks regular chicken feed! is this ok?????? i'm so worried! he kept telling me i'm being paranoid and that nothing is going to happen....they ate it but should i be worried?

 

[chicmom]

Don't worry, a little bit once and a while won't hurt them.

 

[CorinneP]

I Would go back and get more Starter .. Its more nutritious for them .. But I Think they will be fine for the day .. I Don't Believe back in the Old days they babied there Chicks like we do ours .. Though heaven knows how many they may have lost that they might not have. But I would get them more starter for a couple more weeks .

 

[jramirez]

phew! yes you are right about back in the day, but yes i will go get more today. thanks for the relief!

 

[CorinneP]

We Mother Hens do Worry so

 

[Larkin]

Speaking of mother hens, my mama hen would turn her nose up at feeding her babies chick starter. I always put food in for her and starter for the chicks. Once they hatched, she'd seek out pieces of corn or grain for her babies and cluck for them to eat it. The chicks never once touched their starter, only ate out of her food. I know it's probably not as good/nutritious but who am I to argue with mama?

 

[RhodeRunner]

Considering it is only for a short period they will should be fine. Our free-range chicks are always in the adult's feeder, and so far there have been no problems. However, when I do run out of chick starter I find hardboiled eggs to be a better substitute. It is high in protein and nutritional value, and they love it!

 

[CorinneP]

I Hear you Larkin .. I have a momma Hen in with 4 Chicks now I separated her for her own protection, As she was for ever beat up the entire time she was brooding .. But she Held her Ground ! Even a Duck tried invading her Nest . The Roos would come and well you know umm Jump her while she was on the Eggs. Several other Hens tried to push her off .. By the Time she Hatched those Chicks she was Bald and beaten .. I couldn't take it any more so I placed her and the babies in a separate Cage. More like a Large Rabbit coop . With a Light .. Since I feel she looks so Haggard and did such a good Job I keep trying to give her Treats and snacks.. And those ungrateful Chicks just run and try to steal everything I give her .. So they have got a bit of adult pellets bread Eggs .. They seem to be just fine .. Poor momma on the other Hand needs a Break and as soon as they are feathered I will be transferring her to a new coop where she can get away from the greedy little buggers more.. and yet be a little sheltered from those Roos : )