What extras can I feed at 2-4 weeks?

[AryaMichele]

I have 2.5 to 4.5 week olds in brooder 1. They have been getting just crumble and water with and without electrolytes. I offered a scrambled egg two weeks ago. No one wanted it. What extras in terms of herbs, oatmeal, grasses, lettuce, chicken-friendlt scraps, worms, etc can I start introducing AT THESE AGES? Or is it too soon? Thank you.

 

[Evelyn Walker]

Hello, I usually start giving treats at around 2 weeks old, starting with scrambled/boiled eggs, meal worms, lettuce and broccoli (in small amounts, of course). About the scrambled eggs, I suggest you leave some in a small plate/lid for them to gradually peck at. Don't worry, they'll be going crazy for it after a while!

 

[GC-Raptor]

I feed a Medicated Start and Grow feed for 10 weeks. It contains everything needed to grow up healthy. I don't want to dilute the feed with treats.
Of course when I put them outside around 5 weeks old, they have access to grass, weeds, bugs and worms.
After 10 weeks I switch to a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or All-Flock/Flock Raiser with 18/20% Protein. And that's when I offer them treats like Scratch Grains scattered around their pen. GC

 

[AryaMichele]

I feed a Medicated Start and Grow feed for 10 weeks. It contains everything needed to grow up healthy. I don't want to dilute the feed with treats.
Of course when I put them outside around 5 weeks old, they have access to grass, weeds, bugs and worms.
After 10 weeks I switch to a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or All-Flock/Flock Raiser with 18/20% Protein. And that's when I offer them treats like Scratch Grains scattered around their pen. GC

I’m not finding medicated around here. I do Poulin starter crumble. It has probiotics in it.

 

[AryaMichele]

Hello, I usually start giving treats at around 2 weeks old, starting with scrambled/boiled eggs, meal worms, lettuce and broccoli (in small amounts, of course). About the scrambled eggs, I suggest you leave some in a small plate/lid for them to gradually peck at. Don't worry, they'll be going crazy for it after a while!

I wanted to start this stuff but was afraid it was too soon. Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Feeding mostly your starter grower is important those first 8 weeks to avoid deficiencies. The only treat I offer is scrambled eggs. They contain everything necessary for growing chicks, and seem to make them feather faster.

I also will give mine a clump of clean sod from the yard at about 2 weeks to mess with and to begin to introduce the chicks to what's in your soil.

 

[AryaMichele]

Feeding mostly your starter grower is important those first 8 weeks to avoid deficiencies. The only treat I offer is scrambled eggs. They contain everything necessary for growing chicks, and seem to make them feather faster.

I also will give mine a clump of clean sod from the yard at about 2 weeks to mess with and to begin to introduce the chicks to what's in your soil.

Excellent! I was thinking about that too! I’ve tried the scrambled egg and they weren’t nuts about it but everyone says I should just keep trying.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I’m not finding medicated around here. I do Poulin starter crumble. It has probiotics in it.

Yeah, that's fine. Many don't use a Medicated feed. They just keep a bottle of Corid on hand.
My feed also has Probiotics and Prebiotics. GC

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Excellent! I was thinking about that too! I’ve tried the scrambled egg and they weren’t nuts about it but everyone says I should just keep trying.

It almost always takes 3 times for them to suddenly realize they like them. After that it's a mad frenzy when I feed them once a day. I keep it up as they grow and eventually I have birds running to me looking for eggs. They work well for taming chicks too without much handling.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Hello, I usually start giving treats at around 2 weeks old, starting with scrambled/boiled eggs, meal worms, lettuce and broccoli (in small amounts, of course). About the scrambled eggs, I suggest you leave some in a small plate/lid for them to gradually peck at. Don't worry, they'll be going crazy for it after a while!

My chickens go crazy for dried mealworms! I used to give him a few of those when they were little chicks and its still their favorite treat.