jenniferlamar70
Songster
When can I start letting my chicks have a few seeds as a treat?
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When their old enough to bust up the shell. Generally I don't treat chicks util they are out of the brooder. That's anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks of age weather depending. Everything they need and best growth will be from starter feed and clean water. It's fun to watch birds play football over different treats but to what advantage? Treating chicks usually is actually treating the chick owner and has no benefit to the bird. It's an opinion on the topic. There are a lot of people wondering what foods, ages, grits, etc for chicks. Life is simple if you keep only feed in brooder then give them whatever you want when they are outside, larger and picking up their own grit from the ground. I like simple.
I use black oil sunflower seed all the time for treats. It's awesome stuff and excellent source of high fat for winter warmth. My point was if you wait until chicks are out of the brooder you can give them any treat you want and they have access to grit from soil. There is no need whatsoever to "treat" chicks under 4 weeks of age. The starter feed has everything they need and is their best feed for a solid start in life. It's made so no grit is needed. Life is simple and good.
If they are fully feathered and out of the brooder treats are ok in moderation.