The Poultry Keeper

ChickenGeorge2 · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 115 Location: Northern Ireland

can someone confirm for me wether or not you feed new chicks on boiled egg chopped up fine or are you better feeding them on pellets crushed up, just until I can get some chick crumb tomorrow

Regards Mandy Think

NannyP · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:46 am Post subject:

I remember crumbled boiled egg was recommended and mashing up layers pellets too, with a little warm water.
How are your babies Laughing

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Mandy, make sure you get the medicated chick starter. That or pick up a vitamin/electrolite supplement for their water. Wink

NannyP · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:54 am Post subject:

Deb, will you stop following me!! Laughing

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

CP · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 10:13 am Post subject:

I also heard that a crushed weetabix will do in an emergency. (watch out Knobby!)

When did they hatch? They won't need food for at least 24 hours maybe a little longer, so you may not need to feed anything just yet. Water first, then food. Very Happy

HTH

really wildgarlic · Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Aberdeenshire

I got a medicated chick crumb but then found that it was GM soya in the feed (even tho a major farmers store said it definitely was GM Free - will always read the label myself in the shop!) so changed it for the Smallholder chick crumb with no meds in it.

When I asked my vet for the cocciodostat (probs spelt wrong) she told me that I needn't worry about it and that it was only really needed for intensive breeders. Is she right or wrong? What do you guys all do?

My broody hen has also been eating the crumbs - is that a problem? She'll eat anything. Obviously, given some of the early answers, it doesn't matter too much if the chicks eat some layers pellets. Is it ok to put some greens in with them or are the chicks too young at an estimated 10-14 days old?

Cheers

Shirlz

jaydee67 · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 10:41 pm Post subject:

For emergency chick feeding I use oatmeal (pinhead not flakes) - recommended to me by some one with plenty of years experience.

Broody hens can eat chick crumbs without problems.

If you are giving your chicks access to greenery they will also need access to small grit to help grind it up.

really wildgarlic · Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Aberdeenshire

thanks for that Jaydee

will stick to the chick crumbs for now then.

Shirlz xx