Chicks not eating

[Stumpy]

I brought home two Australorp chicks today, about three days old. I have never had chickens before, so this is all new to me and I hope I am just being overly concerned. I immediately put them into their brooder, with chick starter, water, lamp and thermometer. That was five hours ago and they have slept mostly, but are not eating or drinking. They are not from a hatchery, but were taken from the mother hen this morning.

Could it be that they are just stressed right now? Should I try some special food to entice them to eat?

 

[chickenpooplady]

Did you show them where the water is by dipping their beaks in the water? You could try doing the same thing for the food too. All chicks sleep a lot when they are that little, so don't worry about that. As for missing their mother, I always got my chicks from a hatchery, so I don't know. Most likely they are just stressed from the change in their environment, and will begin to eat and drink soon. Hope that helps!

 

[Stumpy]

Okay -- Now they have eaten a tiny bit, so that encourages me. I also dipped their beaks in the water. I certainly hope they start eating more. Thanks.