First 48 hours, First time

[Bellowood]

I'm very excited but very new!! I put a few eggs into an incubator, not expecting anything to happen, but it did!! Wednesday (yesterday) a chick hatched. I read up on everything and got a brooder box ready last night, to move the chick into this morning (24 hours later)...my question is, will the chick automatically start eating and drinking? or do I have to intervene? The other eggs have not hatched yet.
Any and all advise appreciated!!
Thank you!!
Kim

 

[Ted_Harrell]

You have to gently dip the chicks beak in the water to allow them to get a drink for the first time. Make sure they know where the food is at and keep it about 95 degrees on one end of the brooder. That way if they get too hot they can walk to the other side..

 

[Ted_Harrell]

Oh by the way, welcome to BYC...

 

[john_wrightson2003]

I'm very excited but very new!! I put a few eggs into an incubator, not expecting anything to happen, but it did!! Wednesday (yesterday) a chick hatched. I read up on everything and got a brooder box ready last night, to move the chick into this morning (24 hours later)...my question is, will the chick automatically start eating and drinking? or do I have to intervene? The other eggs have not hatched yet.
Any and all advise appreciated!!
Thank you!!
Kim

I would wait another day or so to make sure no one else is hatching, as you can shrink wrap them if you open the lid while they are pipped, but like ted harrell said, just dip their beak in the water, AND FEED (thats what i do) and they'll know.

 

[WallyBirdie]

Congratulations on the hatch.
Good advice has already been given. Have fun and good luck!

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! Good advice here.

 

[Henry&Friends]

I peck at the food with my finger and make broody clucking noises. It’s worked for me.