Too early for treats?

[flock-mama]

Well my 20, one week old chicks are quite the little hunters. I heard a bunch of loud chirping and went to investigate, one had a very small dragon fly in its mouth running around like crazy! So cute! A few mins later a small moth was caught. Now there is a fly buzzing over and its got everyones attention. lol. Why are these bugs all of a sudden in my house? I better check the front door! LOL!

I know its too early for treats, but they got it on their own.

 

[Mahonri]

Gotta love the pest elimination aspect of chickens.... I wish they were better at catching flies.

 

[Mycookoonest]

My babies who are almost 2 weeks old, love chasing a stray fly that heads toward their light... it cracks me up. A few have come VERY close to catching one!

 

[PotterWatch]

I wish mine would show more interest in the little black ants we have everywhere.

 

[drom]

So, can anyone tell me when can I start giving my pullets treats? Is is bad to give them snacks at 8 weeks? I hope not. In the last few days they have gotten some oatmeal, peaches, tomatoes and baby corn. They are still eating plenty of starter crumbles. But should I wait until they are older to resume the treats?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Nah, at 8 weeks old treats are fine, IMO. If you go to the top of the "Feeding Time" category, you'll find a great treat chart put together by Buff Hooligan with more treat ideas.
The only thing to keep in mind about treats is to keep the amount of treats low; no more than 10% of their daily intake. Try plain yogurt, but one warning...stand back or you'll get covered in it. It's a hoot to watch them eat it.

 

[drom]

Quote:
Nah, at 8 weeks old treats are fine, IMO. If you go to the top of the "Feeding Time" category, you'll find a great treat chart put together by Buff Hooligan with more treat ideas.
The only thing to keep in mind about treats is to keep the amount of treats low; no more than 10% of their daily intake. Try plain yogurt, but one warning...stand back or you'll get covered in it. It's a hoot to watch them eat it.

Oh, good. thanks. I'm getting some yogurt for them tomorrow.

 

[BearSwampChick]

Wow, mine have been free-ranging since they were 8 weeks. I figure that is equivalent to lowering the protein ratio with oats and what they would be doing if I lived on a "real" farm with momma hen taking care of them. They seem to be doing great.

 

[drom]

OK they had the plain yogurt tonight. hahahhaha. They loved it.

 

[flock-mama]

Working in a school kitchen, one day we had made too much mashed potatos, I brought left overs home, it was messy but fun to watch them eat. lol.

A few years ago we had like 30 lbs of left over Mac-n-cheese, I put it in a pile and they grabbed like it was the only noodle and ran around! lol.
Now, don't worry at that time I had 45 adult birds to eat all that.