What do you feed small chickens?

Small chickens, or chicks, have very different dietary needs than adult chickens. Here's a breakdown of what to feed them:

Starter Feed:

* Purpose: Provides the nutrients chicks need for rapid growth and development.

* Composition: High in protein (typically 20-24%), with added vitamins and minerals specifically tailored for chicks.

* Availability: Found in feed stores as "chick starter" or "chick crumbles."

* Important: Avoid using adult chicken feed, as it lacks the necessary nutrients for growing chicks.

Feeding Schedule:

* First Week: Free access to chick starter.

* Week 2-6: Continue feeding chick starter. You can gradually introduce a small amount of grower feed (for slightly older chicks) alongside the chick starter, but make sure they are eating the chick starter first.

* After 6 Weeks: Transition to grower feed.

Additional Considerations:

* Fresh Water: Always provide clean, fresh water.

* Grit: Offer grit for chicks to help them grind up their food. This is especially important for chicks that are eating whole grains.

* Greens: Offer a small amount of chopped greens (like kale or lettuce) to supplement their diet.

* Don't Overfeed: Chicks have small stomachs and can easily overeat. Offer them small amounts of food several times a day.

Important Note: Always consult with a veterinarian or experienced poultry farmer if you have concerns about your chicks' diet or health.