When to start treats?

[kalaim]

I'm going to be getting my babies soon, they should be about 8 weeks when I get them. So I will have them just on the grower feed for about 10 weeks until layer feed.

Should I hold off on any treats until they are older?

All the posts about favorite treats sound like such fun, I can't wait!

Thanks!

 

[MissBHaven]

My babies were about 4 weeks old when I started small pieces of bread, and now I give them lots of treats at 7 weeks old. Unless someone here (more educated and experienced) has any reason its not o.k., go for it.....

 

[EngieKisses]

I gave mine treats at about 6 weeks, but I offered grit to them then as well. I gave them fruits and veggies though.

 

[gritsar]

My chicks had their first treat, yogurt, at ten days old. After that I added one new treat a week, always in small amounts. Chopped hard-boiled egg was next. You need to give grit once you start offering treats, except for things with the consistency of yogurt. Actually yogurt is not so much a treat as it is a beneficial part of their diet. At 8 weeks old I would say most anything is fair game to try. Avoid overly processed foods. My chickens are now 20 weeks old and they eat: millet, figs, hard-boiled egg, peaches, apples, corn on the cob, (a little) macaroni and cheese, and so on.
Since you are getting them at that age, see if you can get your hands on some crickets or some mealworms. You'll instantly make a bunch of friends for life. Good luck!

 

[kalaim]

Great, thanks!

That will help me bond with them faster too!

The yogurt, just put it in a dish? I'll only have three chickens, I assume they make quite a mess out of it?!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Actually just put it in a dish and then get the heck out of the way! They will fling it everywhere. I forgot to mention you want to use plain low fat yogurt.
Another tip: I designated one large bowl for most of my chicken's treats. After awhile, they see that bowl and they'll coming running to ya. Also, don't be disappointed if they don't run to it and start eating immediately. Chickens are...well, chicken and it sometimes takes them awhile to get used to new things. Leave it in there with them for a bit and soon the bravest one will try it and the others will soon follow.