another dumb question

[Gincoza]

ok folks, newbie here,,I see pics of lil chicks with marbles in the waterer,,I know there has to be a reason but I cannot figure it out,,please help if you can,,just got 25 white leghorns in from Meyers,,all doing great,,thanks

 

[Eggs4Sale]

It's to get them to drink the water.

Chicks need to be taught to drink water, and you're supposed to teach them by dipping their beaks in and then making sure they can do it on their own. The marbles are supposed to make them peck on their own. I've never tried it, but I will next time.

 

[Gincoza]

they seem to be drinking fine now,,will they drink more if I add marbles?,,and I have 12 rir about 10 weeks old,,do I need to add them to their water as well?,,thanks again

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Quote:
The 10 week old chickens have got everything figured out. Don't worry about marbles for them.

I'd add a marble or two, just because with so many, 25, it's hard to see if there's one or two that aren't getting water. Some may die in the next week or two, and if that would be the reason (dehydration) it's just too simple to put in a marble and avoid it.

 

[Big Chicken Little]

If they are drinking they are doing fine. Most waters these days are red because chickens like to peck at red objects.... don't wear red socks

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Quote:
Or red nail polish.

 

[rhodiegal]

I thought is was to make sure they don't drown the first few days? One time I did not use the marbles thinking it impossible that a chick could drown in 1/2 inch water. I was horrified to check on them one time only to find a baby Brahma stuck in it with his beak and a portion of his head under water. He was just laying there - I jerked him and and he ended up being OK. Needless to say - I ALWAYS use the marbles now!

 

[sfw2]

Some people also put marbles in the waterer to keep the chicks from falling in and drowning. The idea is to leave just enough room that the babies can dunk their little beaks and drink, but not so much room that they could topple in.

 

[Gincoza]

thanks for all the input,,I will surely have marbles in the water for them,,I did the hold the beaks in the water,,only had to do a few the others followed suit quickly,,same with the food,,I did put some sugar in the water to,,trying to do the best I can for them,,mostly things I have learned reading here,,thanks guys and girls,,am sure I will be asking many more questions in the future,,

 

[ranchhand]

It's to prevent drowning when they are very small. Dipping the beak in water teaches them to drink.