1. Rolled Oats
Feeding oats to baby chicks may help to prevent or clear up pasty butt (a life-threatening condition in chicks, where the chick’s poop clogs up their vent, making it impossible for the chick to poop).
Rolled oats are high in essential vitamins and minerals that chicks need to grow, including the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and choline, as well as copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc. This beneficial grain contains antioxidants and protein to help chicks grow healthy and strong.
To feed, grind up rolled oats (I use a food processor) into a course meal (similar to cornmeal). Sprinkle a small amount of oatmeal on the chicks feed once or twice daily.
2. Watermelon
Watermelon is another go-to treat for baby chicks. During the hot and humid summer months, chicks may need a boost of hydration and vitamins to prevent heat stroke. Watermelon is an excellent fruit for chicks as it has low sugar content. Watermelon is high in antioxidants and vitamins A, B6, and C.
To avoid choking, feed watermelon on the rind instead of cutting it into pieces. Also, always remove all seeds before feeding your chicks.
3. Dandelions
Dandelions contain vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K and are a good source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. High in protein, the entire plant (leaves and flowers) can be safely fed to chicks. The roots can be safely steeped into tea and cooled to room temperature before being added to the chicks’ water.
Dandelions are considered a general health tonic and are one of the healthiest treats for baby chicks. Never use dandelions that have been sprayed or may have come in contact with chemicals or pesticides.
4. Oregano
If there were only one treat to feed baby chicks, it would be oregano. This powerful herb has been proven to be a natural antibiotic and is thought to prevent coccidiosis, E.coli, Salmonella, Avian Influenza, and other deadly diseases.
Oregano can be fed fresh, dried, or steeped in a tea. Feeding oregano isn’t only a healthy option when choosing treats for baby chicks, but feeding this beneficial herb could be a lifesaver as it may protect your flock from contracting fatal diseases.
5. Scrambled Egg
Often called the “perfect food,” eggs contain everything you need to survive (lacking only vitamin C). Eggs not only make an ideal choice for treats for baby chicks, but they can also be the difference between life and death for a chick weakened and dehydrated.
Always cook eggs thoroughly before feeding them to chicks. Adding fresh or dried herbs to scrambled eggs can help boost nutrient levels if you feed eggs for a nutritious treat. However, when feeding eggs to a dehydrated and weak chick, leave out the herbs and feed only the scrambled egg.
When feeding eggs to chicks, stick to chicken eggs versus other poultry eggs.
Avoid Feeding!
Bread
Bread is one of the most dangerous treats for baby chicks. Not only does bread contain high amounts of salt, leading to salt poisoning and, in extreme cases, death, but it also contains high amounts of yeast. When fed to baby chicks and adult chickens, the yeast builds up in the crop, resulting in a sour crop (a life-threatening condition common in backyard flocks caused by too much bacteria and yeast in the crop).
Tomatoes
Many poultry experts disagree on whether tomatoes are healthy treats for baby chicks. Tomatoes contain a toxin called solanine, which is found in unripe tomatoes. Many experts suggest that baby chicks can safely consume overripe tomatoes. However, erring on the side of caution and never feeding tomatoes to chicks may help chicks live longer, healthier lives.
