treats?

[chicChickChick]

hello all. My hatchlings are 8 days old. When is too soon for "treats"? I am staring at a slightly mushy pear that will qualify for the compost heap in a few days, but would be a perfect chicken treat if i cut the brown spots off. TIA.

 

[Blackberry18]

hello all. My hatchlings are 8 days old. When is too soon for "treats"? I am staring at a slightly mushy pear that will qualify for the compost heap in a few days, but would be a perfect chicken treat if i cut the brown spots off. TIA.

I'd say that pear is headed toward the compost. Chicks shouldn't have treats until they are about three weeks of age. Remember to limit, and give healthy treats, also make sure to add grit to the feed a few days before giving the first treats.

Good luck!

 

[SoProlix]

The treat thing can be a little controversial. I gave my mail order chicks access to grit and treats pretty much from day 1. In the future I hope to let broody hens raise all my chicks and figure they will eat real food from day 1 too, so how bad can it be? The grit is important though. No grit, no treats (except maybe yogurt or eggs).

ETA: I got them special chick grit that is smaller than the standard stuff.