Treats, Baths and funky fluffy feathers

bendystar

In the Brooder
9 Years
Apr 28, 2010
28
1
32
San Diego
HI, My chicks are about 3 weeks old I'm guessing. One (the Americauna) is bigger than the others and is getting kind of scraggly looking. Looks kind of like the baby down is falling out and feathers are coming in. The other two are a little smaller but are starting to get the same look, they are Speckled Sussex. Is that normal? I may need to try to post a picture.

Also, they don't really like treats, is that because they are too young? They love to catch some bugs when they get outside time but they are mostly inside as it's been cold here the last few days. The outside time they get is limited because we don't have a safe coop yet so they are in a baby cage with a screen over it outside in the grass/dirt for about an hour in the afternoon when it's sunny enough. I've tried sunflower seeds, corn, yogurt (what a mess!) strawberries, and broccoli so far. They like the seeds and corn but not much else. Is that normal? I'm just trying to liven up their day a little, it must be boring in the box all day.

Also, after my yogurt experiment I was wondering if anyone bathes their chickens and how do you do it?

Thanks! These are my first chicks and I've only had them about a week.
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Answering your first question--yes, they are losing their down feathers and getting their first feathers. Mine started two weeks ago. This is normal.
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As for the treats, mine love yogurt and grapes. I also give them shredded cheese, chopped broccoli, and cheerios. Maybe you just havent tried it enough for them to like it. I fed mine off my hands/fingers so they would associate me with something good.
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I spread the chopped broccoli on the bottom of their brooder box so they have to scratch for it. Seems to break up the monotony!
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I have not bathed my chicks. If they get a little messy from the yogurt, the others clean them up.
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They are 5 weeks now and are dusting themselves when they are outside so I figure its all good.
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I am also a newbie so my advice is to read everything on here. The peeps on this site are very helpful!!!
 

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