Have you ever wondered what can baby chicks eat? Maybe you already know what adult chickens should eat, or perhaps you have just bought cute baby chicks and have no idea what to feed them. If so, then this article will help you.
It is crucial to provide your chicks with a healthy diet in order for them to grow up to be healthy adults. Chicks require specific nutrients for their growth and development including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
So, what foods are recommended for baby chicks? Let’s discuss this in this article.
What Can Baby Chicks Eat?
1. Chick Starter Feed
It is not necessary for chicks to eat or drink something right after they hatch. Baby chicks can survive on the egg yolk for the first 24-48 hours before they can start eating and drinking on their own. You can introduce food to them when they are fully fluffed up and dry.
Their main source of nutrition should be a chick starter feed which is the best feed for baby chicks in the first few weeks of their life. Starter feeds are high in protein compared to the food for adult chickens.
While it is advisable to buy commercial chick starter feed, you can also make the food by yourself. However, I wouldn’t advise that unless you know what you are doing, since you have to ensure that you have the right amount of certain nutrients to avoid vitamin or mineral deficiencies or imbalances. It is better to be on the safe side and give the chicks a commercial starter feed if you are still new to raising baby chicks.
They can remain on starter feed until they are four to eight weeks old and then they can be placed on grower feed for adolescent chickens.
2. Insects and Worms
If baby chicks had a favorite food, it would be insects and worms! They are good sources of protein for the growing and developing chicks. You can start giving them insects and worms in their diet when they are at least two to three weeks old. I have never had a baby chick that refused to eat insects, and it seems to keep them occupied and happy to catch them.
Some other tasty insects and worms that can be given to baby chicks include:
- Mealworms (a common favorite)
- Crickets
- Soldier Fly Larvae
- Earthworms
These insects can be found in most pet stores or online retailers, but make sure that they are meant for animal use. All of these protein sources contain amino acids that are necessary for the growth of baby chicks. So, the next time you are wondering what to feed baby chicks, try giving them insects for their next meal.
3. Small Grains
Grains provide carbohydrates for energy and are a good feed for the growing chicks. However, small grains are already present in chick starter feed.
For instance, oats, wheat, barley, millet, quinoa, and cracked corn are some of the small grains that are not only delicious but also nutritious. These grains are also not hard to digest and most of them are also not too big for a baby chick to peck at with its beaks.
It might be necessary to crush or grind some of the grains according to the size of your chick to help them eat and digest the food better. Cracked corn, quinoa, and millets are some of the easiest to digest and I therefore like to give them to my younger chicks in addition to their starter feed.
4. Fruits
What can baby chicks eat that are sweet and tasty? That’s right, Fruit!
At 2-3 weeks of age, baby chicks can safely consume many types of fruits with their starter feed. Baby chicks love bananas, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, grapes, cucumbers, and even apples. These fruits are important for them as they contain important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Apples: Both the apple skin and flesh are safe to feed, but the seeds should be avoided because they are toxic. Apples are high in vitamin C, which provides immune-boosting benefits. They also contain minerals like copper, calcium, and potassium which are good for bone development and egg production.
- Bananas: Soft and easy to digest, while being a tasty treat rich in fiber, vitamins B and C, and minerals like potassium.
- Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support a baby chick’s overall well-being.
5. Vegetables
Wondering what to feed baby chicks at around 3-4 weeks old? At this age, you can start offering them vegetables. Baby chicks can consume different vegetables and leafy greens.
My baby chicks love to eat leafy greens like kale, turnip greens, lettuce and chard chopped into small pieces. However, iceberg lettuce is not recommended because of its high water content and low nutritional value. The best type of lettuce to give to your baby chicks is Romaine lettuce or other dark green lettuce varieties.
You can also give them soft, boiled carrots, broccoli, and peas. However, avoid giving them raw beans, white potatoes, onions, and avocado as they are not safe to feed.
The vegetables should always be soft and cut into little pieces so that they do not choke or cause digestion problems.
6. Eggs
When people find themselves asking what can baby chicks eat? Eggs are usually the last thing that comes to mind. After all, that does not seem quite right, does it? Nevertheless, they make great high-protein treats and my baby chicks enjoy them.
Hard-boiled eggs are a high-protein snack that contains important amino acids and minerals. The yolk is also very nutritious, and it is composed of approximately 1/3 of fat which is a good source of energy for baby chicks.
7. Herbs
Herbs can be a wonderful addition to a baby chicks’ diet provided they are safe and organic.
Here are some safe and nutritious herbs I know your baby chicks will love:
- Garlic: This is a very nutritious and smelly herb with antifungal and antiparasitic properties. I prefer to give crushed garlic to my baby chicks and flocks from time to time because it has natural antibiotic and prebiotic properties. Crushed garlic is the best to feed because it releases the active compounds and makes it more accessible for baby chicks to eat.
- Oregano: This is a very potent herb and has very useful natural antibiotic properties that can be used in the prevention of some of the most common diseases affecting chickens. It also has antioxidants that can help in reducing inflammation, along with powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Thyme: This is a strong herb that has some advantages such as boosting the immune system and supporting respiratory health. The best way to give thyme to your baby chicks is to just place some fresh or dried sprigs in the brooder.
- Parsley: If you are looking for a good starter herb to give to your baby chicks, parsley is a good herb to start with. It is not so difficult to grow and baby chicks can safely eat the curly or flat-leaved parsley. Parsley is a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and K which are important for bone development and digestion.
YouTube Video Here: (Hobby Farm Guys)
Feeding for Success: What Baby Chicks Can Eat to Flourish
What to feed baby chicks during the most vulnerable stage of their life? A nutritious starter feed supplemented with insects, fruits, vegetables, and herbs will provide all the required nutrients for your baby chick as they grow and develop. Now that you know all of this, you’ll never have to question what baby chicks can eat to thrive again.
My website is community supported. This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission. This never changes the cost to you. I only recommend items trusted and loved by myself and others in the world of Pet Chickens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Baby Chicks
Q: What is the best starter feed for baby chicks?
A: The best starter feed for baby chicks is a commercial chick starter feed high in protein. It provides essential nutrients for growth and development.
Q: Can baby chicks eat insects from the start?
A: Baby chicks should not be given insects immediately after hatching. Introduce insects like mealworms and crickets when they are about two to three weeks old.
Q: Are fruits safe for baby chicks?
A: Yes, fruits are safe for baby chicks when introduced at around two to three weeks old. Opt for fruits like bananas, strawberries, and apples, but avoid seeds.
Q: What vegetables are safe for baby chicks?
A: Baby chicks can eat vegetables like kale, Romaine lettuce, and soft-boiled carrots when they are about three to four weeks old. Avoid raw beans and onions.
Q: Can baby chicks eat eggs?
A: Yes, baby chicks can eat hard-boiled eggs as a high-protein treat. They provide essential amino acids and minerals.
Q: How often should baby chicks be fed?
A: Baby chicks should have access to food and water at all times. Ensure their feeders and waterers are always filled and clean.
Q: Can baby chicks eat herbs?
A: Yes, baby chicks can eat certain herbs like garlic, oregano, thyme, and parsley. These herbs offer health benefits and can be added to their diet in moderation.
