Oranges and Chicks

[wohneli]

My older pullets love when I give them an orange cut in half. Without thinking I have given my new chicks a half and orange to eat and they seem to love it. Is this unhealthy for them at 1 week old? If so, when is it ok?
thanks

 

[wohneli]

help

 

[smith2]

No it will not hurt them at all. They start pecking at anything when they are just a few hours old so just make sure that what is around is chicken safe. Oranges are fine, mine love the guts. They don't eat the peel, so be sure you cut them into wedges or shapes where they can get to the pulp.

The only consideration is not to give them too many treats in the first few weeks because they really need the nutrients from their starter to grow right the first 8-10 weeks. I don't really give mine treats until they are about 10 weeks old.

 

[motherbear]

If you look in the learning center under feeding, you will find a chart for chicken treats. In it there is a section on what NOT to feed chickens - I believe I saw citrus listed there.

Sorry I'm not sure how to create a link