when can I feed them bugs?

[stinerfish]

My chicks are three weeks old. I have two Americanas, two Gold Sexlinks and one Barred Plymouthrock. When can I feed them bugs and what type would be okay for all of them.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

You should be fine with feeding them bugs right now. I'd stay away from the more exotic ones right now, but bugs like crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and anything similar will be fine. I gave mine insects at around two weeks old. I took them outside one day and found a half-live cicada and tossed it too them. It was hilarious, they had a ball. It looked like they were playing football even though the thing was bigger than some of their heads

I'd give them a few, I'm sure they (and you) would love the entertainment.

 

[gritsar]

Miss Spider crawled her way into my (outside) brooder when the chicks were about 12 days old. Miss Spider lasted all of five seconds.
After I witnessed that little massacre I gave them bugs whenever I happened to find any; mainly crickets.
Welcome to BYC!

 

[LSU2001]

My RIR's are 8 days old and when I go out to the coop, where I have my brooder set up, bugs fly in. It is mostly mosquitoes and moths but the chicks absolutely destroy anything that gets within reach. I haven't caught and given them any bugs yet but they seem to be doing just fine catching and eating the bugs that fly in attracted to the light.
Tim

 

[#1California Chick]

What about snails??? I sometimes hand pick fifty a day from my yard. How big do the chicks need to be to eat them?? I know that they will love them!!

Cindy

 

[debilorrah]

Chickens eat anything and everything. I wouldn't worry about how young they are. Chickens were around long before we started wondering what treats to give them....

 

[#1California Chick]

Quote:
Thanks for the encouragement!!

Cindy

 

[debilorrah]

No problem!

All you have to do it watch them. First off, it is quite funny to see young ones tackle nature. Secondly, the joy they get from the battle is worth it! Even if they never manage to get their prey, it is pretty amazing, not to mention amusing.