Zucchini

[dtobey]

Can 4 week old chicks have zucchini? I have been researching and some sites say they can have but other sites say no because it can cause diarrhea. I have a lot right now from the garden and thought it might be a nice treat

 

[Morrigan]

My broody hens have 2 week old chicks eating squash, greens and anything else they can find, so I think it would be fine to offer them some. Just make sure you have chick grit available to them.

Be forewarned, they may ignore it altogether. Chicks without a mother hen to encourage them, are often very suspicious of new food times.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

How many chicks do you have? I don't know about the diarrhea, but a few small chicks aren't going to make much of a dent in zucchini overload. They should only have a tablespoon or so each at this age, and please be sure you are supplying them with chick grit for digestion. Also, don't be surprised if they just look at it and wonder what they are supposed to do with it at first, lol. Several threads are going right now about this very issue!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Lol, @Morrigan posted while I was typing.

 

[KoaLovesChickens]

I've read that chicks that young shouldn't have treats just yet. It might wreck their nutrition. I'm guessing that is purely mama's choice though.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I've read that chicks that young shouldn't have treats just yet. It might wreck their nutrition. I'm guessing that is purely mama's choice though.

Not much anyway.

 

[dtobey]

i have 9 some are 4 weeks and a few are 5. Might just try a small piece see how they do
How many chicks do you have? I don't know about the diarrhea, but a few small chicks aren't going to make much of a dent in zucchini overload. They should only have a tablespoon or so each at this age, and please be sure you are supplying them with chick grit for digestion. Also, don't be surprised if they just look at it and wonder what they are supposed to do with it at first, lol. Several threads are going right now about this very issue!

 

[dtobey]

Can 4 week old chicks have zucchini? I have been researching and some sites say they can have but other sites say no because it can cause diarrhea. I have a lot right now from the garden and thought it might be a nice treat

thanks everyone for the quick replies!