Brought 1 - 2 week olds home at 2 pm

[7cutechix]

should they have eaten or drank in all this time (6 hours)? They are (six barred rocks) just still sleepng all together since I put them in the box inside the garage. I have a heat lamp on them, they aren't chirpping or anything. It's been a year since I did this newborn thing!!

 

[teach1rusl]

They haven't eaten or drank anything yet??? Did you show them the feeder by pecking at the feeder with your finger? You can peck at the waterer in the same fashion. If they aren't up quite a bit running around, then I would think something is wrong. And if they're staying clumped up under the lamp, that usually means they are too cold. Ideal warmth level usually results in them scattering around the edges of the light.
Maybe they are doing some of these things, but you just didn't mention it???

 

[crosbygroup]

Pick each one up and dip their beak into the water so they know what it is.

 

[iheartchkns]

I also brought home three chicks around the same age yesterday, and my story is exactly like yours. They peeped part of the way home, then got quiet and just slept together when I got them home and through the evening. They weren't interested in the food and water, even after I dipped their beaks in them. Today, though, they finally ate the food and were drinking water and moving around a little. I think the change was just a little scary for them, since they had been with about 50 other chicks where I had gotten them.

Just keep an eye on yours and check the level of the food and water.

 

[7cutechix]

OMG, I'm a bad chicken mother....don't know why I thought they'd figure it out. They ate and drank. They are much better. Thank you. I just thought I'd stress them out by messing with them.

 

[teach1rusl]

I'm happy to hear that all is well! And you're not a bad chicken mama; you just didn't know. Keep in mind that a lot is instinct with chicks/chickens. But a mama hen usually (a real hen...lol) will show her new brood how to get food, water, etc. So now you're doing all of the things a mama hen would be doing for them in a more natural environment. Have fun with your chickies!

 

[MareeZoCool]

Could be your garage is too quiet. When you do go to visi them, they might be huddling in fear. Is there any way you could temporarily bring them inside your home, so your visits could be more frequent?