This post comes from our friend Bri. Follow her on Instagram @chickenchaserbr to follow her chicken keeping journey.
Raising chicks is an exciting experience, and part of that excitement comes from introducing them to new foods and treats. While chick feed provides the necessary nutrients for growth, there's always room for a little extra enrichment, like Grubblies! Here’s how I introduce treats to my chicks and why I start incorporating grit right from day one.
Why Grit Is Important, Even from Day One
When you first bring home chicks, their diet consists mostly of chick starter feed, which is specially formulated to be easily digestible for their tiny tummies. However, I’ve always liked to introduce grit right from the beginning. Why? Because chicks are curious little creatures, and you never know what they might try to eat!
From paper towels to bedding, I’ve seen chicks nibble on just about anything. Introducing chick grit early on helps ensure that their digestive systems are prepared for whatever they might pick up along the way. Grit aids in grinding down food in their gizzard, helping them to digest more efficiently and avoid any potential digestive issues. Starting with grit from day one helps them get used to it and ensures they’re prepared as they grow.
Introducing Grubblies
At around three weeks old, I start offering my chicks a fun, nutritious treat: Grubblies! These protein-packed grubs are a great source of nutrients for growing chicks, and by this time, my chicks are ready for a little extra boost. Since they’ve already been eating grit, they are familiar with it and can process the grubs easily. You can start offering Grubblies as early as day one, once they understand where to find food and water.
When first introducing the grubs, it’s not uncommon for chicks to be a little cautious. They might peck at the grubs and then turn away, unsure of what to make of this new treat. Don’t worry if they’re timid at first! Chicks are naturally curious, and once they realize how delicious these treats are, they’ll be coming back for more. Grubblies are a great way to give your chicks some extra protein, and they’ll love the taste!
Be sure to only offer a few pinches of Grubblies at first and gradually increase as they grow and their feed intake increases.
Making the Transition Seamless
By the time your chicks are three weeks old, they should already be familiar with grit as part of their daily diet, so introducing grubs alongside the grit will feel natural. If your chicks are nervous about the new food at first, give it some time. You might want to scatter the grubs around their feeding area to encourage exploration, or even mix them with a little bit of their regular feed. As always, observe your chicks and adjust based on their preferences.
Using Treats as a Bonding and Training Tool
One of the best parts of raising chicks is building a connection with them, and treats are a fantastic way to strengthen that bond. Chicks are naturally curious, and they quickly learn to associate you with something special, like their favorite treats!
Feeding by Hand
Feeding treats by hand is a wonderful way to establish trust and create a bond with your chicks. At first, they might be a little hesitant, but with patience, they’ll start to associate you with food. This is especially helpful when they’re young because it allows them to get used to your presence and touch in a positive way. Holding out a handful of Grubblies can be a rewarding experience for both you and your chicks. Over time, you’ll notice them getting more comfortable with you and even looking to you for food!
Associating the Sound of the Bag with Treat Time
Chicks are incredibly food-motivated, and you can use this to your advantage when training them. I’ve found that by shaking the treat bag or rustling the sound of the crinkling packaging, my chicks quickly associate that sound with “treat time.” It doesn’t take long before they’ll come running when they hear the familiar sound of the bag. This can be a fun and easy way to get them to come to you, especially when it’s time to move them to a new area or just to get their attention.
This little trick can also help with teaching your chicks to come when called or to follow you, making their training sessions more effective. They’re highly motivated by food, so using treats as a reward for responding to your cues can speed up the learning process.
Final Thoughts: Diversifying the Diet, Building Bonds, and Promoting Healthy Growth
Introducing chicks to treats like Grubblies is an excellent way to diversify their diet, promote healthy growth, and build a strong bond with your flock. Starting early with grit helps prepare their digestive system for whatever they might pick up as they grow. By the time you introduce grubs around three weeks old, your chicks will already be accustomed to having grit in their feed, making the transition seamless. With a little patience and encouragement, they’ll soon be enjoying their tasty treats and the benefits they bring!
A Transition Period and Gradual Introduction
In my experience, I usually go through a transition period of about two weeks when I introduce Grubblies. During this time, I follow the feeding instructions on the package to ensure I’m giving them the right amount each day. The goal is to get the chicks accustomed to the new treat gradually while ensuring they continue to receive a balanced diet. By around five weeks, I start introducing other treats, like fruits and vegetables, to help round out their diet. These additional treats help prepare them for a more diverse range of food once they begin free-ranging outside.
Always Research New Treats
While it’s tempting to spoil your chicks with all sorts of goodies, it’s important to always research new foods before giving them to your flock. Chickens can have sensitive digestive systems, and not all foods are safe for them to eat. A quick search to verify if something is safe can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Additionally, treats should make up no more than 10% of your chicks' diet, ensuring they’re still getting the necessary nutrients from their primary, well-balanced grain diet.
Happy chick-raising! And don’t forget to tag us @grubblyfarms when your chicks get to try Grubblies for the first time!
Thank you so much for reading! I’m Bri, just a city girl who decided to get a few backyard chickens in 2021, and, well, the chicken math hasn’t stopped mathing since! I am now up to 17 chickens and 2.5 acres of farmland. You can follow my adventures, tips, and plenty of laughs on Instagram: @chickenchaserbri. Happy clucking! 🐔
