The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: miccon63 on April 07, 2011, 02:12:08 pm

Title: chick food ?????
Post by: miccon63 on April 07, 2011, 02:12:08 pm

My three chicks hatched just over a week ago. (thanks to meebh for the eggs) is chick crumb the only food they can eat???? and any hints or tips on the young one appreciated im new to very young birds....TA..... ??? ::)

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: sam.t on April 07, 2011, 03:14:51 pm

i only ever feed my chicks crumbs until they are 5-6 weeks old or off heat then i mix it with pellets graduley less crumbs more pellets untill only pellets then they get the greens etc like everyone else
sam :chook:

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: meebh on April 07, 2011, 03:25:49 pm

Hi Mark

So glad to hear the chicks are doing well.

We too only feed chick crumbs until they are 6 weeks old then move on to rearer pellets until they are nearly POL. 
Since they are being brought up by a broody unless they are showing signs of illness there really is very little you need to do in terms of intervention. 

Just take time to sit back and say 'awww' as our fluffy babies are now 6 weeks fully feathered and quite big.

 :wave:

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: Litl_Deb on April 07, 2011, 06:14:06 pm

I was advised I could give them some thoroughly mashed boiled egg for a bit of a boost.  The mother hen seemed to eat most of it though!   ::)

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: Beewyched on April 07, 2011, 06:32:32 pm

Our 1st 3 incubator-hatched are still indoors at the mo (month-old x-breeds), as we've had a bit of a nightmare getting their new house & run delivered (they will be free-range eventually with their parents :) )  It finally arrived yesterday, so they will be going out this weekend  ;D

I have been giving them a small handful of fresh grass every day this week to get them ready to face the real thing & they enjoy the odd lettuce leaf too  :yum:

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: doganjo on April 07, 2011, 06:45:36 pm

Quote from: Beewyched on April 07, 2011, 06:32:32 pm

Our 1st 3 incubator-hatched are still indoors at the mo (month-old x-breeds), as we've had a bit of a nightmare getting their new house & run delivered (they will be free-range eventually with their parents :) )  It finally arrived yesterday, so they will be going out this weekend  ;D

I have been giving them a small handful of fresh grass every day this week to get them ready to face the real thing & they enjoy the odd lettuce leaf too  :yum:

Short grass I hope - they can choke on long grass, and adults can get impacted crops if it's long.

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: Beewyched on April 07, 2011, 07:50:41 pm

Only trimmed tops Annie  ;)

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: Glentarki on April 07, 2011, 11:56:34 pm

Boiled eggs mashed well are a great boost for your wee chicks Ive done the same for years and they thrive on it........But as others have said chick crumbs is all that is needed for the first 6 weeks

Dave

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: Beewyched on April 08, 2011, 10:05:18 am

We have a few extra eggs at the mo, will give them a try & see what they think  :yum:

Title: Re: chick food ?????
Post by: Eggs, Chicks & Hens on April 10, 2011, 07:52:29 pm

I scrambled some eggs for my youngsters & they wouldn't touch them at all.