Well folks, let me tell you about the time I made a huge mistake trying to feed my baby chicks rabbit pellets instead of chick starter.
It was early spring and I had just gotten a new batch of Rhode Island Red chicks that I planned to raise over the summer.
I got them all set up in the brooder with the heat lamp and pine shavings, and they seemed happy as could be.
Now these weren’t my first chicks – I’d raised a couple batches before – so I knew the routine when it came to feeding them.
Chick starter feed was essential to provide them with the nutrition they needed to grow big and strong.
So the day after I got the new chicks, I went out to the coop to get their chick starter to fill up their feeders.
But when I opened the bin where I stored the feed, I realized in horror that I was completely out!
I started panicking because the nearest farm store was over an hour away, and I needed to feed those hungry chicks right away.
As I desperately looked around for something I could use instead, I spotted a bag of rabbit pellets in the corner from when I used to raise rabbits.
A lightbulb went off and I thought “maybe I can just feed the chicks rabbit pellets for now until I can get more chick starter!”
In my rush I somehow convinced myself this was a good idea since they were both forms of pellet feed.
Without taking the time to think it through, I eagerly grabbed a handful of rabbit pellets and dumped them into the baby chicks’ feeder tray.
Those fuzzy little chicks swarmed the feeder and started pecking away at the unfamiliar feed.
At first they seemed confused by the different shape and texture of the rabbit feed, but soon enough they were gobbling it up.
“See, they love it!” I thought proudly as I watched them go to town on the pellets.
But oh boy was I wrong.
About 10 minutes after eating the rabbit pellets, chaos erupted in the brooder as the chicks started freaking out.
They began squawking loudly and running around all crazy, bumping into each other and flapping their little wings.
Then the diarrhea started.
It was a smelly, messy disaster as the poor chicks started pooping all over the brooder.
I quickly realized the rabbit pellets were causing serious digestive issues.
In my ignorance, I had given them feed their little bodies couldn’t handle.
I felt just awful and scared that my mistake could really harm the health of the chicks.
Thankfully after switching back to chick starter and cleaning up the brooder, the chicks recovered.
But I learned the hard way from this experience that rabbit pellets are absolutely not suitable for baby chicks!
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Why Can’t Baby Chicks Eat Rabbit Pellets?
Giving rabbit feed to baby chicks seems like a bad idea in hindsight, but in my desperate moment I didn’t think it through.
After doing more research later, I understood why rabbit pellets can be so harmful for chicks.
The main issues are that rabbit pellets contain way too much protein, calcium, and phosphorus compared to what growing chicks require.
Here are some specifics on why the nutritional content of rabbit pellets causes problems for baby chickens:
Rabbit feeds contain 12-24% protein, sometimes even higher, while baby chicks only need around 18-20% protein maximum.
Consuming excess protein can put a heavy strain on a chick’s kidneys and cause muscle and skeletal issues.
Additionally, rabbit pellets have very high levels of calcium and phosphorus to support developing rabbit bones and growth.
But the concentrations are too high for chicks and can lead to kidney damage or visceral gout.
Phosphorus levels above 0.7% are particularly dangerous.
Many rabbit feeds exceed 1% while chick feeds contain around 0.45-0.7% phosphorus.
Also, even though both are pellet feeds, rabbit and chick feed have totally different nutritional formulations.
Rabbit pellets are designed to meet all the dietary needs of growing rabbits, not baby chickens.
They don’t provide the ideal balance of vitamins and minerals that chicks need to thrive.
The excess nutrients combined with nutritional imbalances wreak havoc on a chick’s sensitive digestive tract.
This can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, malnourishment, and even death in severe cases.
Simply put, rabbit pellets are specially formulated for rabbits, not baby chickens.
Chicks have very precise dietary requirements, so they need feed designed just for them.
Proper Feeds for Baby Chicks
Luckily, there are several great options for feeding baby chicks that I now always keep stocked up.
Here are the top feeds I recommend based on my experience:
Chick starter feed is absolutely essential, as it’s formulated to provide complete, balanced nutrition for chicks from the time they hatch until 6-8 weeks old when feathers start developing.
For the youngest chicks, I like to use micro-pelleted starter feed since the tiny pellets are easy for day-old chicks to peck and swallow.
You can also get crumbled chick starter feed, where the pellets are crushed into small crumbs that are perfect for baby chicks to nibble on.
Once chicks are 3-4 weeks old, they can transition to regular chick starter pellets which are bigger.
I also recommend getting medicated chick starter that contains the coccidiostat amprolium, which helps prevent coccidiosis, a dangerous disease for chicks.
In addition to chick starter feed, I provide extra nutrients by supplying chick grit in a separate feeder.
The small stones and coarse sand in chick grit help chicks grind and digest their feed.
And I always keep oyster shell supplements on hand to provide supplemental calcium and phosphorus for proper chick bone development and growth.
Using these types of feeds formulated specifically for chicks helps ward off health issues and gives chicks everything they need to thrive in those crucial early weeks.
When Can Chicks Start Eating Rabbit Pellets?
Now that I know baby chicks can’t handle rabbit pellets, a common question is when can they start eating them safely?
Generally, once chicks are around 6-8 weeks old and fully feathered out, they can begin transitioning from chick starter feed to rabbit pellets.
At this age, their digestive system is mature enough to handle the higher protein, calcium, and phosphorus content.
But I still recommend introducing rabbit pellets slowly and feeding them alongside chick starter at first.
For the next few weeks, I mix about 75% chick feed and 25% rabbit pellets, gradually adjusting the ratio.
By 12-14 weeks old, they can be switched to rabbit feed completely or be transitioned to standard adult chicken feed.
Following this schedule allows the chicks’ bodies to properly adjust to the new diet.
The bottom line – don’t make the same mistake I did by feeding rabbit pellets too early!
Stick with proper chick starter feeds in those early weeks for optimal health and growth.
Trust me, both you and those cute little fuzzballs will be much happier!
Signs Your Chicks Aren’t Tolerating Rabbit Pellets
When you first introduce rabbit pellets to older chicks, keep an eye out for any concerning signs that their digestive system isn’t handling it well.
Here are the main symptoms that the higher protein and mineral content is causing issues:
Increased water consumption is one of the first signs, as excess proteins and minerals force the kidneys to work overtime and the chick tries to stay hydrated.
Foamy or loose droppings indicate irritation in the digestive tract or gut imbalance from the diet change.
If stools have a strong odor or attract flies, that’s a red flag for too much protein in the gut.
You may see symptoms like decreased appetite, lethargy, or slow growth as nutrition suffers.
Vent pasting is when diarrhea accumulates on a chick’s rear, sealing the vent shut.
Blood or mucus in the stool, diarrhea, and dehydration are serious signs of digestive damage.
Loss of feathers, pale combs and wattles, tremors, and lameness can indicate metabolic issues.
If chicks show these worrying symptoms when transitioning to rabbit pellets, move them back to chick starter immediately and consult a vet.
Transitioning Chicks from Rabbit Pellets to Layer Feed
Once I got my chicks thriving on rabbit pellets around 12-14 weeks old, the next step was switching them to layer feed before they started laying eggs.
Here are some tips for smoothly transitioning chicks from rabbit pellets to complete layer feed:
Start mixing a small amount of layer feed in with the rabbit pellets around 16 weeks old, gradually increasing the ratio over 2 weeks.
Layer feed has higher calcium levels for egg production, so introduce it slowly to avoid overload.
Reduce protein level gradually as well, as layer feed contains 15-18% protein vs. rabbit pellets with 12-24%.
Ensure layer feed is finely textured with small pellets, mash or crumbles for easy eating.
Provide insoluble grit to help grind the new feed, and oyster shell for calcium.
Keep a close eye for any decrease in appetite, drop in egg production, weight loss or diarrhea.
Temporarily add probiotics or vitamins to water to support digestive health.
Following this schedule eases the transition from rabbit pellets they thrived on to optimal layer feed.
Dangers of Letting Chickens Graze on Rabbit Pellets
Since I also raise rabbits, I’m careful to keep their feed well secured so my adult chickens don’t gorge on rabbit pellets.
Here are some key risks that can occur if chickens overindulge:
Chickens are attracted to the higher protein content but too much stresses the kidneys and reproductive tract.
The calcium and phosphorus levels meant for rabbits can lead to kidney damage, bone issues, or visceral gout in chickens.
Excessive intake can inhibit shell formation, causing thin or soft eggs since the calcium:phosphorus ratio is inappropriate.
Altered nutritional balance may lead to feather pecking as chickens seek missing nutrients.
Diarrhea from digestive upset allows harmful bacteria like E. coli to proliferate.
Consuming too many pellets can reduce foraging, leading to boredom and anti-social pecking behavior.
Prevent issues by not giving chickens free access to rabbit pellets and providing feed formulated for their needs.
Best Practices for Feeding Rabbits and Chickens Together
Since I raise rabbits and chickens together, I’ve developed a system to allow both to eat safely.
Here are my best tips:
Keep rabbits and chickens completely separate – different hutches, runs, and coops.
Feed rabbits inside hutches so chickens can’t access.
Provide chickens layer feed formulated to meet their needs.
Allow chickens to free range and forage as much as possible.
Scatter chick scratch grains across range area to encourage natural foraging.
Separate water sources to prevent sharing and contamination.
Clean all feeding areas thoroughly to prevent disease transfer.
Follow biosecurity basics like hand washing and dedicated footwear.
Quarantine any new rabbits or chickens before introducing.
By keeping their living areas and diets completely separate, both species stay happy and healthy!
FAQs About Baby Chicks Eating Rabbit Pellets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about feeding chicks rabbit pellets:
At what age can baby chicks start eating rabbit pellets? Wait until 6-8 weeks old when the chick is fully feathered out.
Should you transition chicks slowly to rabbit pellets? Yes, mix them with chick starter at first and gradually increase the ratio over 2-4 weeks.
How long until chicks can eat just rabbit pellets? Aim for 12-14 weeks old, when the chick is ready for adult feed.
Is it ok for mature chickens to eat rabbit pellets? Only in moderation, as excess can cause health issues. Layer feed is better.
Can chickens and rabbits safely share living space? No, keep separate housing, feed, water sources etc. to prevent issues.
What are signs a chick isn’t tolerating rabbit pellets well? Increased thirst, loose droppings, decreased appetite, etc.
Do rabbit pellets have less calcium than chick starter? No, they have much higher calcium and phosphorus levels.
Should you supplement chicks eating rabbit pellets? Provide extra grit and oyster shell for digestion and calcium.
Can you feed rabbit pellets medicated for chickens? No, only use pellets formulated specifically for rabbits.
