7 Best Treats for Baby Chicks

So your chicks are home, your brooder is set up, you know what to do if you have a sick baby chick, and now you’re ready for the fun stuff: figuring out the best treats for baby chicks so that you can start spoiling those little peepers.

It’s important to realize that all treats are NOT created equal. Some foods can harm baby chicks, while others are a smarter choice because they offer more protein, vitamins, and minerals. So, let’s take a look at the best treats for baby chicks so that you know what to dole out, and what to stay way from.

Chicks, Chicks, and More Chicks

I love chick season. This year, we got an early gift when one of our Blue Laced Wyandottes went broody in January and hatched several chicks! I also have an order coming from McMurray Hatchery soon, so we’ll have another wave of chicks running around here.

If you’re like me, you love cuddling and spoiling your baby chicks from time to time. And, there’s no better way to spoil your chicks than with healthy, nutritious treats! But before you crack open the fridge, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do: Start with Chick Starter

Chicks need high quality chick starter as the main component of their diet. Make sure that your chicks always have access to clean water, and high quality starter. Treats should make up no more than 5%-10% of their daily diet, which is about one teaspoon. So, practice moderation!

A good rule of thumb is to only give your chicks a treat late in the day. That way, they’ve had all day to fill up on chick starter, which is perfectly formulated for their growing bodies. Once the chicks have gotten in their daily dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals, then they can have dessert!

I use the Manna Pro Chick Starter, and my chicks have always done really well with it. You can also try Purina, which is excellent but much more expensive.

Do: Provide a Source of Grit

If your chicks eat nothing but chick starter (and I mean nothing else!) they do not need a source of grit. Chick starter is crumbled small enough so that chicks can easily digest it.

However, if you’re going to give your chicks treats, and I’m guessing you are since this entire article is about chick treats and you’re still reading, then you must provide them with a source of grit. If you give your chicks treats without providing them with grit, they can get very sick, and possibly die.

There are two types of grit: calcium grit and inert grit.

Calcium grit, also called mineral grit, is made from ground oyster shells. In addition to helping the gizzard grind up food, the oyster shells also provide a significant boost in calcium. This extra calcium is great for laying hens, who need more calcium to produce strong eggshells. However, it’s NOT good for chicks. Eating too much calcium can stress the kidneys, and lead to death.

The other type of grit is inert grit, which is typically made from crushed flint, sand, and tiny rocks. Inert grit is the type of grit that is more appropriate for baby chicks. Look for grit labeled “starter grit,” which is finely ground for baby chicks.

You can purchase grit on Amazon, Tractor Supply, or your local feed store.

DON’T: Give Them Treats the First Week

If given the choice between scrambled eggs and chick starter, chicks will pick eggs every time. This is why you should wait at least a week to give your chicks treats.

Chicks need to learn what their starter feed looks like and tastes like before you start offering treats.

DON’T: Give Chicks Spaghetti or Long Grass

Giving baby chicks long spaghetti or long grass clippings can lead to impacted crop, and this can kill them quickly at such a young age. Anything you give your chicks should be cut into small pieces!

Best Treats for Baby Chicks

So, we’re finally ready to look at the best treats for baby chicks!

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent treat for baby chicks because it’s high in protein, and it gives them a boost of calcium and probiotics. It’s also easy to eat and digest.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are another healthy treat for chicks because they’re chock full of protein, and very easy to eat and digest.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs make excellent treats for baby chicks because they offer so many medicinal benefits.

For example, giving your chicks fresh oregano and thyme can help boost their immune system and help protect their respiratory tract. Comfrey will help aid digestion. Lavender helps promote calm and will definitely make the brooder smell better! Mint will help lower their body temperature on hot days and, like lavender, help the brooder smell nice. Chickweed is a wonderful herb to forage; it’s full of vitamins and nutrients, and chicks love the flavor (hence the name!)

If you haven’t already, you can sign up for my free guide, “The Top 10 Best Herbs for Chickens,” to learn more about how to use herbs to improve your chicken’s health.

Worms and Insects

Want to make your chicks’ day? Give them some worms or other insects they can chase around the brooder (grasshoppers and crickets are a big hit.) Worms and insects are high in protein, and they’re just fun for chicks to hunt. Your chicks will love them.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to go out digging for worms, or don’t have children to go out and catch grasshoppers for you, head to your nearest bait shop and buy some.

Lettuce and Other Veggies

Lettuce makes an excellent treat for baby chicks because it’s healthy, and it turns into a game for them if you hang it on the side of their brooder. Chicks also really love cucumber, tomatoes, and zucchini and squash.

You can also give your chicks canned corn (without added salt). However, corn is higher in sugars so make sure to practice moderation with this! My adult hens LOVE corn, and I’ve seen them almost trample baby chicks as they come running for scratch.

However, don’t give your chicks or adult chickens the following foods:

• Dried beans
• Green potatoes or tomatoes
• Avocado skins or stones – the flesh is ok but only in very small amounts
• Chocolate
• Processed foods

Fresh Fruit

Chicks also love any kind of fruit…just make sure that it’s soft and cut up into smaller pieces so they can handle it. My flock loves eating watermelon!

Sprouted Grains

You can also give your chicks sprouted grains for a treat. Sprouted seeds are seeds that have been exposed to water, light, and air, and are germinated to grow their first roots and sprouts.

Sprouted seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, both for humans and chickens! Penn State Extension reports that sprouted seeds contain far more protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals than their unsprouted counterparts (in some cases, hundreds of times more). They also contain thousands of times more enzymes and antioxidants! And, like fermenting, sprouting reduces phytic acid by 87% so that your body can readily absorb far more nutrients from
the plant.

Sprouted nuts, seeds, and grains is a nutritious treat for your chickens, and a healthy addition to your own diet! And, you can sprout many different types of seeds and grains, including:

• Alfalfa
• Broccoli
• Barley
• Peas
• Mung Bean
• Red Clover
• Sunflower Seeds
• Wheat
• Radish
• Kale
• Cress
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Mustard

Sprouting seeds is really easy to do. You can learn how to sprout seeds, and raise a naturally healthy flock from the ground up using herbs and good nutrition, in my book, “Feeding Your Flock Naturally.”

Last Word

It’s always an exciting time when you bring new chicks home. And, it’s tempting to spoil those little peepers rotten just because you can! However, it’s important to practice moderation when it comes to treats. Giving your chicks too many treats, and not enough high quality chick starter, can cause obesity and other health problems. Less is best when it comes to treats!

I’d love to hear back from you. What treats do you like giving your own chicks at home?