Treats for chicks

[bow-chicka-bow-bow]

Being new to raising chickens, I've learned so much here. This site has been a godsend. But, I do have a question. I've seen different posts where people have been giving their chickens different treats. I know about the mealworms, but was wondering what else I could give as a treat and at what age could I start? I have 5 Black Star sex-linked that are around 5 weeks old and 3 Americaunas that are around 3 weeks old. They still freak out if I try to put my hand in the brooder (which is a big plastic tub) and I'm hoping that if I can start giving them some treats soon, that maybe they will get used to me being there more and will actually come when I approach. I guess I'm hoping they will like me.

 

[magoochie]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

Here is the treat chart that is listed on BYC that I go by.

Usually a couple scrambled eggs is good. Not sure that you should start giving them alot of different things just yet because they need their protein right now as they are growing so rapidly at this stage.

However, at about 9-10 weeks old I start giving what I give my adults and havent had a problem. They love left over mac and cheese, and cooked carrots, steamed veggies, etc.

Good luck and WELCOME TO BYC!!!!

 

[The Tinman]

Let them eat the meal worms out of your hand. That way the start to think the hand is good.

 

[FiveHens]

At first, scatter what you have brought into the brooder and they will peck it up. Then, once they learn that hand=food, they will be more eager. Of course at first they'll be freaked out.
I recommend carrot peelings and especially cheese. We gave those to our chicks (along with a variety of other things) as early as they wanted them, in limited quantities, of course, with no ill effects.

 

[bow-chicka-bow-bow]

You guys are great!

Thanks so much for the info. I even printed the link you sent me. I'm posting it in my office for reference.

Thanks again.

 

[SarahBeth9394]

That and handle each of them several times a day for just a minute or so each and they will tame down. Yesterday my daughter had 5 chickens sitting on her and I had 4 on me last night.

I didn't think of shredded cheese. Yesterday I tried cilantro and they couldn't have cared less. The do love the leaves from the tree next to their run tho.

 

[youngjedi32002]

When my chicks were still in the brooder, I tried to give them yogurt because I had heard that chickens love it. But they just walked through it and could not have cared less! I really should try again now that they are big girls (10 weeks) and living in their coop and run! They have always loved tomatoes, fresh, canned diced, no matter what, they will eat them up! I always try to give them fresh veggies and such but I will open a can in a pinch! I put a little something in with their feed in the morning and then, after dinner, I give them a little something to fill up their crops for the night. I only have four hens, so it isn't a ton, just what might be leftover from dinner. They have a small bowl of feed inside the coop and I am getting a flock block for the run. I think, all put together, it provides enough diversity while keeping with their nutritional needs. I hope I am right! This is my first year with chickens so if anyone has any advice, I'd love it!!!

 

[Christie Rhae]

I put turkey or chicken carcass' in the pressure cooker after we are done with it and pressure cook it for a half hour. Then dump that into the chicken coop. They devour everything! Bones are so soft they just eat them all up getting all that good marrow. We also love to make chicken cakes. It is actually any old left overs from fridge, old cornmeal etc that may have gotten stale in the cupboard, BOSS, eggs, tuna, yogurt, etc. and bake. My 3 year old daughter loves that I let her get her hands into it and "help" me. The chickens love it. Here is a pic of our recent cakes..

We used to have at least 3 large cans of garbage every week. We started recycling, composting (potato peels, banana peels, avocado, egg shells and coffee grounds) everything else goes to chickens. We never have left overs get old in the back of the fridge anymore. Now we have maybe two trash cans every two weeks. So proud of ourselves that we have stopped producing so much "trash" as a family.

 

[The Tinman]

Christie
You can feed the egg shells to the chicken instead of putting them the compost. It is a good soarse of calcium

 

[kittycooks]

Quote:
I second this. I made an apron so I could carry the chicks around with me in the pocket. The more they are handled the better pet they will be.