Chick Diet: First 8 Weeks

Weeks 0-8: chick starter crumble, 18-20% protein, in front of the chicks at all times. Medicated (with amprolium) if chicks were not vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery, non-medicated if they were vaccinated (medicated feed cancels the vaccine). Fresh water always, in a shallow chick waterer with clean pebbles in the trough for the first week so they do not drown. Chick grit (fine) offered free choice once they get any treat other than pure starter. Treats before 2 weeks: none, they need to imprint on real feed. Weeks 2-8 treats (kept tiny, under 5% of intake): scrambled egg, chopped hardboiled egg, small bits of leafy greens, mealworms, plain yogurt in a smear. No layer feed, ever, the calcium load damages developing kidneys. At 8 weeks switch to grower (16-18% protein) or stay on starter through week 18 if you use a starter/grower combo bag. At 18-20 weeks or when the first egg appears, switch layer-age pullets to layer feed or move the whole flock to all-flock plus a separate oyster shell dish.