when can i start treats?

[HSerChickLady]

My chicks are 1 week old today and i was wondering when i could start giving them some goodies? I read through another thread and it seamed like there's no hard and fast rule. These little one's have been getting yogurt mixed with chick feed for the past 5 days to help with a pasty butt situation so they've already been getting something extra. I was curious about giving them a couple strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, apple slice, or something else like that. We had some who refused to eat and i tried egg yolk then but they weren't interested at all. I have dried mealworms that i feed my layers i could try too if they're old enough. And i have a Babycake waiting for them as well.

 

[Imp]

There are no hard and fast rules about any part of chickens. lol

When I have chicks they get treats from the moment they get home, very finely chopped veggies in small amounts plus whatever else I might have around. If you do give them treats, it is a good idea to give them some chick grit as well.

Imp

ETA- all the items you mentioned sound fine to me.

 

[HSerChickLady]

Thanks! I've noticed they're getting bored already-they're much busier than my Golden Comet chicks last year were. We all know a bored chick ends up causing trouble. A couple are extremely inquisitive too. They've already learned my hand is a source of yummies and come running to the yogurt mixture. I don't want to overwhelm them with snacks but i think something every so often will be a good thing for them to keep them out of trouble.

 

[robynz]

any type of yogurt? or just plain? is sugar bad? (I'm new to this too!)

 

[HSerChickLady]

any type of yogurt? or just plain? is sugar bad? (I'm new to this too!)

I do not do fat-free or sugar-free stuff. I don't believe aspartame or splenda is safe for anything to ingest. I've always given my older chickens Stonyfield Farms Organic low-fat yogurt. I was giving the chicks the vanilla flavor in the large tub but i ran out and the store only had BaNilla yesterday so i got that and they love it! I've given the older birds the same brand in the kids yogurt before when my children don't eat it up fast enough. And recently i gave them Oikos greek yogurt-also a big hit. I don't think the flavor matters much. So the chicks will just get whatever i have in the fridge.

 

[gickelvolk]

Try some sliced pear..... fresh, not canned. Our BCM pullets (10 weeks old) love them.

 

[red hen in the rain]

Cornmeal in my palm is a big hit. Chick sized scratch grains, it what it looks like to them.

 

[real_redhead]

My chicks always love raw oatmeal once they are not afraid of it!! We have also done mealworms and then everything is fair game! I love giving them something new at first they run for the hills unti lsomeone is brave enought o check it out then it's the chase fest...I got something....run run run it's so much fun to watch! Have fun

 

[Lance]

We gave the girls some fun treat with raisins in it and one will grab one and the chase game is on. even know there are many more, its a big game of keep away.

 

[HSerChickLady]

It's always funny to watch them. Like you all said there's plenty for everyone but they want what someone else has. And they make the noise that gives their find away too. Thanks for the ideas on cornmeal and pears i haven't tried those before.