First 3 days I give my chicks sips of yolk water, it makes them strong enough to be curious about eating food. Especially if they were shipped, feed right away. Sometimes when you realize there may be something wrong with a chick it will be to late. Death may occur on days 5-7. If you want to know how to tell if a chick is not doing well look at their feet. if they have skinny wrinkled stick feet they will need yolk and a prayer right away. (They also may close their eyes and peep a lot.)