If you have a poultry farm, you must be worried about the best thing to feed your chickens. You see chickens gobble down bugs that are found in the garden. But bugs are not always healthy for them as they may carry diseases and parasites. However, chickens love to eat grubs which could be a good thing for their health.
While opting for American grubs, you can be sure of their quality which is sustainable and organic grain-free, which boosts the immune system of chickens. The natural molting supplement can prevent egg deformation, develop stronger eggshells, promote healthy feathers, and speed up molting.
Here are some vital facts to know before feeding grubs to your chicken.
When to feed grubs?
Chicks can be introduced to grubs as soon as they are a day old. But you must ensure that they are eating and drinking correctly before having their share of grubs. Also, you should be mindful of the body size concerning grub intake.
Baby chicks require about 1 pound of feed each week for the initial few weeks of their lives. The feed should provide them with the essential nutrients for growth. So, the American grubs would be given as a form of natural supplement or treat to add nutritional value to their diet.
These are rich in calcium, fiber, and protein. Hence, the key is to be careful about dietary imbalances and deficiencies when including grubs in their diet.
Chicks usually need very small amounts of grubs in relation to their body sizes. So, it is best to give a few pinches and increase gradually, keeping the portion in moderation to prevent any adverse effects on health.
How to feed grubs?
For a baby chick, grub must be provided as a free choice. It means that grubs need to be provided in a plate or shallow bowl separate from the feed. Gradually, you can put it in your palms and try to bond with the flock.
When serving on a platter, make sure it is shallow so that the chicks have easy access. Also, it is best to crush the grubs to make them easy for their consumption. Moreover, another natural way to provide grubs is by combining them with a chick or sprinkling crushed grubs around a clump of dirt and placing them on a shallow platter.
Do grubs help with molting?
Grubs have high protein content, which can be highly beneficial during molting. By increasing the amount of protein, you can help chickens recover quickly from the fall molt. The nutritional requirements are met adequately in the first and second molt, and they do not look unhealthy.
However, seasonal molt for adult chickens can make them look depleted as they lose a large percentage of feathers. So, even before the molting starts, you need to make sure that the chickens are in the best physical condition. And good health combined with increased protein intake can help in the recovery process and feather growth.
What are the dietary benefits of grubs?
Grubs provide the right amount of protein for a growing chicken. These naturally sourced and balanced phosphorus and calcium boosts bone development. Grubs are also rich in fiber that prevents pasty butt. Also, the high calcium and protein content helps chickens grow healthy feathers and lay healthy eggs.
Grubs can be an ideal treatment option for your chickens for their multiple benefits. It can easily replace bugs as they do not carry potential diseases and are harmless for your chickens.