Since my chickens moved outside at around 3 weeks of age, ive started giving them some yogurt every morning, in addition to their free access to crumbles. I have four buff orpingtons, now 17 weeks, and I've always given them about 2-3 tablespoons (total, not per bird) at a time. they love it, and i've never had any troubles with sick birds. (they prefer strawberry or blueberry, not big fans of plain- but I always make sure to buy the regular variety, nothing "diet" with artificial sweeteners.)
My question- I know that switching them to Layer crumbles early isn't good because the increased calcium in a younger chick can be harmful. I'm probably thinking too much, but have I done them a disservice by giving them yogurt, which as a dairy product, contains calcium? Or is the amount of calcium in a few tablespoons of yogurt negligible?
Yes, they're pretty spoiled.
My question- I know that switching them to Layer crumbles early isn't good because the increased calcium in a younger chick can be harmful. I'm probably thinking too much, but have I done them a disservice by giving them yogurt, which as a dairy product, contains calcium? Or is the amount of calcium in a few tablespoons of yogurt negligible?
Yes, they're pretty spoiled.