Do I give my newly hatched chicks food and water right away?

[sloallie10]

My eggs are going to hatch soon, and Im wondering when I move them to the brooder, should I have food and water asap ready?
Thanks

 

[Rozzie]

Yes, especially if they have been in the incubator for quite a while.

 

[sloallie10]

Quote:
Thanks for the quick responce! So have food and water out and ready in the brooder no matter what... right?

 

[RockinCRanch]

Yep!! I always dip their beaks in the water when i put them in the brooder.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Put it out so they can see it & get used to it. If they haven't drank by day 3, dip some of their beaks in the water. I tap my finger in the food tray, & they come to investigate & pick food from the end of my finger. If you can get some drinking or eating, they will teach the rest how it's done.

 

[BooBear]

You said going to hatch? If they have not hatched yet: the chicks will live on their yoke sac for 48 hrs once they hatch. The yoke sac provides moisture and nutrients for their first few days. This is why it is easy for folks to ship day olds.

If they already hatched and it has been atleast 24 hours then yes to getting them introduced to food and water.

 

[PunkinPeep]

When i move them to the brooder, i dip each one's beak, one by one, first in the water and then in the feed. Some feed usually sticks to their beaks that way, and they get picture very quickly.

 

[sloallie10]

Quote:
ya, i got that

 

[MikhailJB]

OK so I have a few have hatched in the last 3-4 hours I dont have to be worried about putting water and food in the incubator for till I move them into the brooder probably sometime tomorrow?
This is my second hatching with this 48 egg capacity Incubator.
Thanks,


Mikhail
Melbourne, Australia.

 

[Cluckminster Fuller]

What if you're letting the mother hen care for them? Not using an incubator?