Scrambled eggs - frequency?

[Rick&Chris]

Good morning. I have started to give my girls (almost 3 weeks old and growing fast!) one scrambled egg for 10 chicks. How often can I give these to them? They have chick food and grit available 24/7, although I don’t see them eating the grit. Also, they kick the chick food out onto the plastic pan - do I need to keep filling their food container or let them eat off the pan?

 

[PirateGirl]

Chickens are really good at making a mess of their food! I would be in the poor house if I refilled the feeder every time the spilled it. If they spill it, they can eat it off the ground (provided it doesn't sit there for days and risk getting moldy). Grit they just pick at a little once in awhile to help with their digestion. If they are eating and pooping normal, they are probably getting enough grit. It's up to you how often you give them scrambled eggs and other healthy snacks, just make sure this isn't the majority of their diet.

 

[steiggy]

I give my 4 week old babies a tablespoon or so of scrambled egg every day or every other day. There are 3 of them and they have crumbles, grit, and water available at all times. I give them their eggs after I finish cleaning their brooder for the night.

 

[snow5164]

If you raise the feeder up so they’re not eating where they poop ;(

A feeder like this really helps too , use a mason jar on top of it

I would feed a little egg in the late afternoon after they’ve ate the good stuff all day . Eggs are a treat , not needed everyday ....

 

[Rick&Chris]

If you raise the feeder up so they’re not eating where they poop ;(

A feeder like this really helps too , use a mason jar on top of it View attachment 1558041

I would feed a little egg in the late afternoon after they’ve ate the good stuff all day . Eggs are a treat , not needed everyday ....

Thanks! I do have a feeder just like that and it is raised up on a brick. They still get their beaks in there and push it out. I fill it in the morning and by afternoon it is empty and on the ground. Stinkers!

 

[snow5164]

For 10 birds I’d say that’s normal .... put it in a pie plate so they reach in and clean up their messes good thing they’re so darn cute

 

[snow5164]

@Rick&Chris I was just thinking about you and your chicks while doing my chores .... have you considered wetting the food or doing fermented feed??

My second batch of chicks I started doing that , much less waste and it’s good for them if you ferment .

If interested there are lots of posts on it here ...

 

[Rick&Chris]

For 10 birds I’d say that’s normal .... put it in a pie plate so they reach in and clean up their messes good thing they’re so darn cute

So true!!!

 

[Rick&Chris]

@Rick&Chris I was just thinking about you and your chicks while doing my chores .... have you considered wetting the food or doing fermented feed??

My second batch of chicks I started doing that , much less waste and it’s good for them if you ferment .

If interested there are lots of posts on it here ...

I did see something about fermented feed. Do you have any instructions you recommend?? Is that a full time thing, or just when they’re young?

 

[snow5164]

It’s actually great for them their whole lives.

When I had chicks I did it in mason jars , 1/3 feed 1/3 water a tsp apple cider vinegar, don’t put a lid on it.I made 3 jars a day apart.

Let sit 3-4 days til it bubbles and smells yeasty. Pour it out but leave an inch in the bottom for the next batch . Next batch will ferment in a day or two.

You will decide how wet you want it, mine enjoy the juice and it’s good for them. It’s a easy way to add garlic or any herbs .Its really not fussy .

Give it a try ,
Have fun