I was thinking, when I handle chicks, could I actually give them something to eat (like a treat)? How old should they be, so it wouldn't harm them? My oldest chick is going to be 4 weeks old tomorrow.

 

Is there something safe to give them?

 

Thank you :grbud:

At 4 weeks you can give millet, soaked or sprouted seed, or a bit of grated carrot as they will be leaving the nest box in a few days to a week anyway. If you use sprouts be very diligent in your preparation as they can go bad very easily. I'd go with the millet first, as you can break off a small piece (one of the little "bundles" for lack of a better word) and hold it. It also is easier to hull than the seeds you have in your regular mix. It won't be much larger than their beaks, so should not frighten them. I used to leave a bit in the nest box for the babies to experiment with, although I think mom must've eaten most of it at first.

Edited February 11, 200619 yr by Rainbow

Thanks a lot Rainbow, I'll try it :ausb:

When Blinkie was about 4 weeks he absolutely adored some egg and biscuit mixed with a little bit of apple baby food from a syringe (not force fed, just squirted so he could lick it up).

When Blinkie was about 4 weeks he absolutely adored some egg and biscuit mixed with a little bit of apple baby food from a syringe (not force fed, just squirted so he could lick it up).

 

Thank you, that is a good idea :rip: , I'll try !!!

I've tried and made a mix from mashed apple, crashed biscuit, a bit of crashed peeled seeds and a bit of water (to make it more liquid) and the babies loved it !!!

I gave them just a little bit - because it's new for them.

 

 

Thanks a lot for your tips

 

:hap:

Edited February 12, 200619 yr by Zebra

That's great they liked your mix! I'm sure it'll make cuddle time with you much more enjoyable for them. :)

When the oldest gets to 4 weeks I put a spray of millet in the nest box. The oldest will start to eat at it and it gives the younger ones the idea.

 

I place a small dish with egg and biscuit on the cage floor and a dish of sprouted seed, snow pea sprouts and either corn or carrot. The chicks when they come out have something to eat. The parrents will continue to feed them but it helps wean them.

Thanks Daz for your tips - I've put spray of millet to the box now

 

Bea, do you use "a pure apple" baby food? I've just bought 2 kinds:

 

One is apple with oat flakes and the other is from apple, peach and banana - but they both have added sugar, vit. C and lemon acid - is that safe for the chicks?