Another egg hatching!

[chickiemom08]

We have another egg hatching! This chick seems to be a lot stronger than the last one. Not sure what part of the hatching stage its in.

 

[Erka97]

Congratulations! That egg is "zipping" and looks like it will be out in a few minutes! Well, actually by now it should be out and fluffy.

 

[chickiemom08]

It just came out. I have gotten it to drink some water, but how do I make it eat?

 

[Erka97]

It doesn't need to eat or drink for about three days after hatching because it has its yolk still, however you can put it in with food and water and it should begin pecking at things on its own to eventually figure out what's food and what isn't.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

It just came out. I have gotten it to drink some water, but how do I make it eat?

You don't make chicks eat unless they are sick. When you put tem in the brooder have water and starter crumbles in there for them. They will eat when they are ready. I don't believe in withholding food/water for three days. While chicks can "survive" this, I believe hydration is important early on. My chicks are usually in the brooder within hours of hatch. No more than 12. They are usually drinking within hours, definitely w/in the first 24 hours, but eating varies. I do have some that will investigate and start pecking at the food in the first 24 hours, but generally, more wait until day 2 to be really interested in food.

 

[chickiemom08]

Is it ok to have him under a heat lamp?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Is it ok to have him under a heat lamp?

Yeah, as long as it's at least around 95F and there's a cooler area they can move into when they need, it's fine to move them to a brooder.