What do you feed your chicks?

[auntbee]

We are getting our first chicks this week, I'm so excited! They will be 2 days old, and I would like to raise them as organic as possible. What do I feed them? Do they just eat regular feed or is there a special one since they're so young? Does anyone know where to get organic feed? Thanks!

 

[MissPrissy]

I only use unmedicated chick starter crumbles. Purina Mills has a good starter/grower. I can't get organic feeds here.

 

[gumpsgirl]

They need a starter/grower food. I would think any of the chick starter crumbles would be considered organic as long as they weren't the medicated kind.

 

[MissPrissy]

They are not organic unless they are clearly labled as certified organic.

Pesticide free grains from certified pesticide free feilds.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

MissPrissy...why do you feed unmedicated starter? I was thinking about doing it but was afraid of coccidiosis.

 

[MissPrissy]

I have never used medicated feeds. I have always felt it was best for my chickens to develop a natural immune system. I expose them to the ground at an early age and hope for the best. In 20 years so far I have never had a problem. I try to raise all of my animals as naturally as possible. So far so good.

The only ones I vaccinate are my goats. It is recommended here they recieve a tetnus yearly and a CD&T booster.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
This is good to know and makes perfect sense! I forgot about the pesticides used on the fields.

Clearly, I just need to go back to bed!