Day old baby chicks - how long to let them rest?

[carlaashdown]

Not new to chickens, but this is the first time I've had day old chicks.

Went to our local farm store today for feed and such. They received a shipment this morning of day old Lavender Orpingtons and Speckled Sussex....so I got two of each. They are tiny and so cute. Brought them home, dipped their beaks in the water before putting them under the ecoglow heat plate. I've never had them this small, usually about a week to 10 days old when I get them and running around like crazy.

How long do I let them rest/recover under the heat plate without eating or drinking?

Also, can they eat raw egg this young? I’ve done it for my older ones and heard it was good for new babies.

Correction - I've had one chick this young in the past, but it's been so long I forgot! She also had other chicks a few days older to show her the ropes.

 

[HappyClucker7]

Usually they can eat and drink already by the time they get to you. I wouldn't worry too much. Just let them sleep and recover for now.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

How is it going?

 

[TempletonPeck]

Mine loved sleeping on my lap on a not-too-hot hot water bottle in the evenings at that age. They would nod off, stretch out when warm, look for my hand to snuggle under when cool - they were great.
I made a bit of a rod for my back, though, as they then came to expect that treat every night and would chirp loudly from their brooder in the kitchen for the company. Then they learnt to climb up to my shoulder and would squabble for the best spot. Now they are nearly 4 weeks old and would still enjoy their "special time" if I had enough lap space!
Make sure they don't get chilled, though - they might not recover. Good luck!

 

[sooartsyfartsy]

Mine loved sleeping on my lap on a not-too-hot hot water bottle in the evenings at that age. They would nod off, stretch out when warm, look for my hand to snuggle under when cool - they were great.
I made a bit of a rod for my back, though, as they then came to expect that treat every night and would chirp loudly from their brooder in the kitchen for the company. Then they learnt to climb up to my shoulder and would squabble for the best spot. Now they are nearly 4 weeks old and would still enjoy their "special time" if I had enough lap space!
Make sure they don't get chilled, though - they might not recover. Good luck!

That is so sweet - they are lucky little birds for that extra love you give them

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Not new to chickens, but this is the first time I've had day old chicks.

Went to our local farm store today for feed and such. They received a shipment this morning of day old Lavender Orpingtons and Speckled Sussex....so I got two of each. They are tiny and so cute. Brought them home, dipped their beaks in the water before putting them under the ecoglow heat plate. I've never had them this small, usually about a week to 10 days old when I get them and running around like crazy.

How long do I let them rest/recover under the heat plate without eating or drinking?

Also, can they eat raw egg this young? I’ve done it for my older ones and heard it was good for new babies.

Correction - I've had one chick this young in the past, but it's been so long I forgot! She also had other chicks a few days older to show her the ropes.

Oh my I just picked up my day old chicks from the post office I've got them in the brooder and I've got food in there with them and water. I never was told to wait to feed them.

 

[carlaashdown]

Oh my I just picked up my day old chicks from the post office I've got them in the brooder and I've got food in there with them and water. I never was told to wait to feed them.

You don’t have to wait to feed them. Sometimes they will stay under the brooder plate and rest instead of eating.
You can encourage them to come out and dip their beaks in the water to show them where to eat/drink.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

You don’t have to wait to feed them. Sometimes they will stay under the brooder plate and rest instead of eating.
You can encourage them to come out and dip their beaks in the water to show them where to eat/drink.

These babies went from their chicken shipping container into their brooder and literally have not stopped eating since. I've been looking at them all this time.

None are hanging out under the brooder heater it is on it is available they're just walking around eating eating eating. Some of them are drinking. I guess the ones that have not taken a drink I will do the beak dip.