what are safe treats for 2.5 week old chicks?

[RunnerChick]

Hey! I have 2.5 week old chicks. I've been given some thoughts on giving my chickens treats as a way of befriending them, including suggestions on what treats they like. Examples I've gotten have been yogurt on a spoon, scrambled eggs, mealworms, oatmeal, etc. I actually gave them some finely chopped strawberries (with Chick Grit on a separate plate) the last couple of days and (after they figured out what it was), now they go nuts over the strawberries. I was wondering (based on their age) if there is anything I need to watch out for. I have Gail Damerow's book, but she doesn't specify how to give treats to chicks versus adult chickens (of course, maybe there's no difference, I don't know!). Another friend told me that I don't really have to chop the stuff up either, as pecking is something they enjoy doing. I was just worried because they are so little. You know, like with little kids you can only give them something they can chew and swallow. I know chickens don't chew, but I didn't know how long it takes for that digestive system to be up and running.

I only give them one small tray of "treat" a day, but I was wondering if others have a general idea of how much is okay. I have 15 chicks in my brooder and use the plastic top of a yogurt container to give them their treat.

It has been too cold to put them outside the last couple of days, but I also put them outside last week for 1-2 hours (in a confined area) and they loved that as well. Is it okay to just put the chick grit out there with them at that time, or should they have it available all the time?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Chicks can peck at the big things, it's what they did in the wild. And if the couldn't swallow it, they'd drop it, or the other chicks/hen would peck it out of its mouth.

I hung a little broccoli tree from the top of my brooder for my chicks to play around with. They also enjoy hard boiled eggs. The chicks should be at 90-85 degrees F in their brooder right now.

 

[Happy Chooks]

You can mash banana in with the oatmeal. Bread, watermelon, macaroni and cheese, spaggetti noodles (they think they are worms and go nuts for them). Just don't overdo the treats and make sure they have access to grit. They also love carrot greens (or parsley) - chop it up with scissors though, I've had a few cockerels try to swallow the stem and have had to catch them to pull it out.