1st time Chick Mama - Q about H2O

[FamFitz]

I just got two chicks today. 1st time ever raising chickens. I've spent tons of time researching & talking with others, but I have my 1st Q I can't seem to get a clear answer on. I want to make sure my chicks are drinking water. I introduced them each to the water & food by dunking their beaks and pecking at it with my fingers. They are both eating, but I have yet to see either drink. 2 day old Australorp & 7 day old Sussex. Advice please & thank-you!

 

[Gingersnap722]

Maybe mark the water line and see if it goes down any?

 

[fried green eggs]

Dip their beaks again and watch to make sure they lift their head and swallow. You can put marbles in the water - it will give them something to peck.

 

[FamFitz]

I picked up a bag of green stones (size of a quarter) from the dollar store today. Put a few in their dish and then dunked their beaks again. Next thing I knew they were pecking away at the stones & then would life their head towards the ceiling. I knew for sure they were drinking. They stayed drinking for a long time, so I'm thinking they were really thirsty. Glad I got the stones and stuck with it.

 

[Alaskan]

Yeah!

And also,

 

[Gingersnap722]

Great job!!