⠀ When to start feeding chicks scraps?

[chevychix]

We have 15 chicks that are 3 weeks old. They have gotten HUGE! I would love to spoil them. So when can I give them scraps and dried egg shells? Thanks!

 

[HighStreetCoop]

They don't need egg shells or oyster shells until they're laying. You can offer it free choice when they're getting close (say around 18 weeks). You can offer them treats (in moderation) now if you want to, just make sure you also offer them chick grit. Mine got clover sprouts, scrambled eggs, mealworms, salad greens, wheat grass, various weeds from the garden, and chopped up veg of all kinds.

The thing they liked most though wasn't an edible treat, it was a big old rubber bowl of dirt to take dust baths in. Also made a great place to put chick grit. They spent soooooo much time in that tub.

 

[DrMikelleRoeder]

We have 15 chicks that are 3 weeks old. They have gotten HUGE! I would love to spoil them. So when can I give them scraps and dried egg shells? Thanks!

This is such a great question, chevychix – and a common one!

I would avoid feeding your birds dried egg shells. We do not recommend feeding egg shells because we never want the hens to get the idea that eating eggs is a good thing, as that can encourage the development of egg-eating behavior, where hens actually learn to break eggs and eat them. If your goal is to have fresh eggs for your family, you don’t want the hens eating them first! Once this behavior becomes endemic in a flock, you really cannot stop it.

If you are worried about your chickens being bored, you might try supplying them with toys to help keep them busy – balls, large rubber snakes or insects (too large to be swallowed), and other safe items that will give them something to do, especially during the winter when they must be confined. Providing a dust bath is also a wonderful treat for them. A large pan full of several inches of peat moss will have them rolling and dusting themselves with great enjoyment. It’s a very natural activity that gives them pleasure.
Your growing birds can receive scraps at any time! For optimum nutrition, we recommend feeding birds treats, scraps and supplements at a rate of no more than 10% of their total diet; 90% of their diet should consist of a complete feed.

I recently wrote an article on feeding treats and snacks. Check it out! http://purinamills.com/animal-nutri...ltry/treats-snacks-are-they-good-for-my-hens/

 

[bigbruce]

I wouldn't give them treats until 6 or 8 weeks old then no more than 10% of there diet