Luvachicken Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 My chicks are doing well so far, but I do feel a bit like a new mum with a baby. Firstly, how much do they sleep during the day ? How often should I disturb them to give them cuddles ? Should they be having grit and does it need to be chick grit ? Should I put them a layer of something to dig in - I have stuff called Hippofan and I have some small shavings - but the chicks are just on patio stones at the mo. Can they have anything else to eat other than the growers pellets ? - small cabbage etc. What is the reason they cheep ? Are they happy, sad, lonely or just reassuringly chatting to each other ? Don't get me wrong, I love the cheeping but I just wondered what they are telling me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuryFCA1 Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 I have had my 4 for 3 months now and would love to know some answers to the questions I dont know. But I can tell you: 1. Yes they need grit. Leave it out and they will get it as and when they like. Any grit will do but oyster shell is good as it gives them calcium. 2. Mine are so lively I have never seen them sleep in the day! 3. They will eat anything! I dont give mine meat or potatoes but they LOVE pasta, rice and green veg . They also like bread but soggy bread so they can eat it easily. 4. Cuddle them as and when you like. They will come to love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 At that age, they will sleep for quite a bit of the day, this is normal, if they get lathargic then they may be a bit cold At this age they only need grit if you are feeding them anything other than growers pellets, chick or grower grit is needed they must not have oyster shell grit as it contains too much calcium for them - that is for laying hens Small quantities of insoluable chick/grower grit are available on ebay, 100g should last you for the rest of their growing period A layer of shavings or similar in their run would be appreciated as it will insulate them against the cold slabs and they'll like nestling in it They can eat other food but probably wont know what it is unless its tiny enough to peck at, a little lettuce or dandilions usually go down well as does mashed boiled egg or crumbly scrambled egg (no milk) but dont give too many treats it can give them runny poo A group of chicks will always chatter together, they will start making a fuss when they see you coming. constant distressed cheeps are usually a sign of hunger, thirst or cold (bit like babies I guess) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted June 7, 2012 Author Share Posted June 7, 2012 Thank you BuryFCA1 for that. And thank you very much Redwing for all that info. It really is like being a new mum. They do cheep much louder as I go towards them. Such a sweet noise. My mum kept telling me they should have grit but I assumed the pellets would have everything they needed. As for the treats I will wait until they are grown up. Thanks again xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
