Chickens hatched, what now?

[Anna Leigh]

I've just hatched 12 beautiful baby chickens. The brooder is set up. Heat lamp, chicken starter and water. Is there anything else I NEED to know that is critical to their health? It seems pretty straight forward but I'm sure there could be something I haven't learned about. Thanks

 

[Blackberry18]

Give chicks 8% sugar water to drink (1.5 cups sugar to one gallon of water). It serves as a quick and easy energy source for chicks. And don't provide feed for the first 6-12 hours; chicks absorbed the yolk, so they don't need food. Give water 3-5 hours before feed. Make sure temp is 95 degrees. Good luck!

 

[Anna Leigh]

Thank you
Just white sugar from the store?
Oops. I already put food in there but the newer hatched ones aren't eating it yet, just the ones that are 24 hours or more old.

 

[Blackberry18]

Thank you
Just white sugar from the store?
Oops. I already put food in there but the newer hatched ones aren't eating it yet, just the ones that are 24 hours or more old.

Any kind of sugar works.

The food isn't a big deal, and it's all right that they're not eating it. Good luck! Hatching chicks is fun!