what do you give your chicks?

[gryeyes]

I'm like Gritsar, I currently provide my chicks in brooders ONLY their feed and fresh water. My first batch, I gave them sugar water like the feed store suggested, but only for the first day. Now, because I incubate and hatch my own, they don't get "shipping stress" and they just get feed and water. I also gave my first batch treats, but now I don't do that. They get treats when they join the flock, when I give treats to the flock.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:

ETA: Linda, it's kinda like having kids. With the first baby you want to do everything right - the best brand of diapers, all the child safety stuff, whatever the child care book says. When the second kid comes along, you throw the book away.

 

[Laurajean]

I read a lot about apple cider vinegar among other things when I first started out, but I've never used it. I keep it simple, feed and water, then scratch and other treats when they're older of course, but I *personally* think less is better, although others may disagree.

 

[debber]

Quote:
My chickies LOVE, LOVE meal worms- make a kissy sound every time you offer food/treats and in just a few days they will come running every time you make the kissy sound! One word on the meal worms, offer enough so that everyone has an opportunity to grab one or two- it turns into a feeding frenzy!

I picked up some meal worms and lets just say the babies are now fighting for my attention! Iv had a few even fly up to roost on my arm or knee, and it makes my heart sing! They still love the june bugs but im too grossed out by them to hand feed them to the girls. The meal worms however are easy to hand out.

Thanks again for the great advice!

Oh one more thing, im thinking of giving them some grit, since they are eating stuff other than the starter food.
Any thoughts about this? Do they need baby grit or is regular grit ok?

 

[JodyJo]

I gave mine the vitamins in their water, I picked them up at 2 days old and transported them over 5 hours...they did great...now they only get their medicated feed, nothing in the water...they get the usual lettuce, grapes, etc...and will soon be free ranging..I have over 300 acres for them to trample over!