When Can Chicks Start Eating Sunflower Seeds and Other Treats?

[BarnyardBeast]

Ive been introducing a variety of treats to my chicks, but Im wondering about sunflower seeds specifically. I still have a bunch left to give them, but Im unsure if theyre old enough yet. I dont want to introduce something too early that might be hard for them to digest.

So, at what age is it safe to start offering sunflower seeds? And while were at it, is there a general guideline for when chicks can safely start eating different types of treats? Id love to hear what has worked for others!

[CluckinAround]

Sunflower seeds are a great source of healthy fats and protein, but they should be introduced carefully. I usually wait until my chicks are at least 6 weeks old and start with shelled, crushed seeds. If feeding whole seeds, ensure they have grit, as chicks don't have the ability to grind food in their gizzard without it. Some people also sprout sunflower seeds before feeding them, which can make them easier to digest. Do you plan to give black oil sunflower seeds or striped ones?

[Eggspeditionist]

I start giving mine treats like sunflower seeds around 7 weeks, just in small amounts. Shelled and crushed seeds work best for younger chicks.

[HenHouseHero]

I follow a general treat guideline: soft fruits/veggies at 3-4 weeks, small seeds at 6-8 weeks, and harder items (like whole sunflower seeds) after 10 weeks. Chicks develop their digestive system gradually, so introducing the right foods at the right time is important. If you're unsure, try crushing the seeds or soaking them to soften them. Also, always make sure treats don't exceed 10% of their diet to avoid nutritional imbalances. What treats have they liked the most so far?

[BantamBoss]

Ive been introducing a variety of treats to my chicks, but Im wondering about sunflower seeds specifically. I still have a bunch left to give them, but Im unsure if theyre old enough yet. I dont want to introduce something too early that might be hard for them to digest.

So, at what age is it safe to start offering sunflower seeds? And while were at it, is there a general guideline for when chicks can safely start eating different types of treats? Id love to hear what has worked for others!

A good rule of thumb is to wait until chicks are eating solid foods well on their own. Around 7-8 weeks, sunflower seeds (crushed or shelled) should be fine!

[NestCrafter]

Chicks develop at different rates, but I usually introduce sunflower seeds after 7 weeks. The hulls can be tough, so it helps to crush or shell them first. If you want to introduce seeds earlier, you could try sprouting them, which makes them softer and even more nutritious. Just make sure they have grit to aid digestion. In general, treats should be kept minimal until they're fully feathered and eating well on their own. What other treats have they enjoyed so far?

[CluckCommander]

Chicks can start having small treats as early as a few weeks old, but sunflower seeds should ideally wait until 6-8 weeks. The key is preparation,hulled seeds or crushed pieces are much easier for young chicks to eat. If feeding whole seeds, they must have access to grit to aid digestion. Treats should always be given in moderation to ensure they continue eating their regular feed for balanced nutrition. I also like to introduce treats slowly to monitor for any digestive issues. Have they tried other seeds yet?

[FeatheredTraveler]

Ive been introducing a variety of treats to my chicks, but Im wondering about sunflower seeds specifically. I still have a bunch left to give them, but Im unsure if theyre old enough yet. I dont want to introduce something too early that might be hard for them to digest.

So, at what age is it safe to start offering sunflower seeds? And while were at it, is there a general guideline for when chicks can safely start eating different types of treats? Id love to hear what has worked for others!

Sunflower seeds are great for chickens, but chicks need time before they can handle them. I'd recommend waiting until at least 6 weeks and making sure they have grit available. Start with small, crushed pieces before offering whole seeds. Black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) are easier for them to eat than striped ones.

[BroodyBella]

Chicks can have soft treats like scrambled eggs early on, but sunflower seeds are best introduced later. Around 6-8 weeks is a safe timeframe to start.

[CrowingChampion]

Ive been introducing a variety of treats to my chicks, but Im wondering about sunflower seeds specifically. I still have a bunch left to give them, but Im unsure if theyre old enough yet. I dont want to introduce something too early that might be hard for them to digest.

So, at what age is it safe to start offering sunflower seeds? And while were at it, is there a general guideline for when chicks can safely start eating different types of treats? Id love to hear what has worked for others!

Chicks can have sunflower seeds around 6-8 weeks old, but make sure they're crushed or shelled, and always provide grit for digestion.