Very small hatch and need a substitute for chick starter and vitamins?

[tmb3fan]

I have 6 eggs in the bator on day 18. I have no idea how many will hatch since this is my first time. Not wanting to buy 25# of chick starter and end up with no chicks, I was wondering if anyone has made a substitute feed for a day or two before buying some chick starter? Also, what did you use for vitamins?

I was thinking of processing some rolled oats and cracked corn into a small size they can eat, you know smaller than the crumbles. Also, provide some yogurt and scrambled egg. Has anyone used a mixture like this for hatchlings?

Thanks,
Teri

 

[Katy]

A couple of our local feed stores sell it by the pound. Also our Orschelns this time of year has small bags (5 lbs. I think) of chick starter available.

 

[sara]

I think Jefferslivestock.com sells some 5 lb. bags as well.

 

[tmb3fan]

Our feed stores don't sell anything under 25# bags.

 

[sara]

Mine doesn't either, but there are online sources. I wouldn't want to try feeding them anything other than chick starter.

 

[tmb3fan]

Well I found the answer to my question at another website so I won't post the link. But here is the info in case anyone else has the same question.

"If you don't have chick starter feed yet, you can feed them for a day or two on instant oatmeal, flaked infant cereal, or other whole-grain cereals. You can put whole grains (rice, wheat, barley, old-fashioned oats, anything) into the blender and blend them slightly. Do not blend completely to a powder --- the feed should have some "grits" in it. Leave the feed with them all the time --- they will stop eating when they have had enough."

"Chicks are best started on a chick starter mash. For other poultry, use the appropriate starter feed for that species, of bird, if available. Mashed, hardcooked egg also makes an I excellent starter feed. You can use breakfast cereal for a few days if it is in a form the chicks can readily eat. Rapidly growing chicks must have a well-balanced starter diet for proper growth and development."

This is exactly what I was going to do, so nice to know they will be good for a day or two. I already have stuff in my pantry without having to spend any money.

I had spoken with an older gentleman that used to make his own starter for the same reason, he would only have a chick or two hatch at a time. He just didn't remember what all he used to make the mix other than grits (no not grit). If you are from the south, you know what I am talking about. He said that his chicks grew up healthy everytime.

 

[katrinag]

They first day they really do not need food. We offer hard boiled whites.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. I buy Starter. I get it at my local feed store. They sell it by the lb. Mostly I make sure they have plenty of water available.

 

[tmb3fan]

Quote:
Thanks, this is the kind of info I was looking for.