Feed bantam cock chicks

10september2008
Source: Dwerghoenders, Helga Fritzsche, Elsevier, 1986
The first 24 hours after the hatching of the eggs, bentam cock chicks still live off the remainder of the egg yoke. Rest and warmth are at this stage more important than food. When the chicks begin to pick the straw, it is time to feed them for the first time.
As eggs do not hatch simultaneously, the chicks will not start feeding at the same time either. Therefore, the animals need to be checked often. Before the chicks get their feed, they should first drink. This water has to be fresh and not too cold and should be given in a flat bowl or watering trough for chicks. The chicks can drink on their own from the start. If not, the broody hen will show them how to. Occasionally a chick needs to be helped by dipping its bill in the water. The chick then needs to swallow with head raised.

Chicks need feed that is very rich in protein, with lots of minerals and vitamins. Special chick feed has all this. An other option is pheasant feed. During the first three weeks number 1 can be fed, followed by number 2 until the eight or ninth week. Number two can be mixed with pheasant feed and oat flakes. A mixture of these feeds can also be given, for example two parts pheasant feed, one part of chick feed and one part of oat flakes. After two weeks more pheasant feed or canary feed can gradually be mixed in. The chicks learn to eat from the broody hen: she leads the chicks to the feed and shows them how to eat it. She can also give them small bits of feed from her bill.
Greens can be given from the forth week onwards. This can consist of: dandelion, leaves from young nettles, chickweed, garden cress and grass, all chopped. Later on, chopped cauliflower leaves can be fed (but no other kinds of cabbage), chives and union leaves. In small quantities, these plants disinfect and prevent illness. From the second week onwards a tray with bird sand should be made available to the animals. This can be given from the forth week onwards, according to their need.

During the first three weeks, the chicks have to be fed every two to three hours. During ten minutes enough food and water should be available. This is also a good time to check the animals. Are they lively? Do they eat well? Does any of the chicks have diarrhoea? The last feed of the day can be given between four and five in the afternoon. From the third week onwards, the feed can be left in the shed throughout the day. It is important, however, that a trough is used that prevents the animals from throwing all the feed out.