First Chick has arrived! Not eating or drinking much? Help needed.

[Maggie1030]

Hi my first grey silkie hatched last night at 11:00pm. I put the chick in the warm brooder at 11:00 this morning. I dipped his beak in water and food. It seemed to peck at the Starter/Grower food but I didn't see him eat much or drink. The food seems a little big for him. Can I moisten the food with water to help him? Any suggestions would be appreciated...

 

[AlleysChicks]

Yes wet it down and let it soften up. Small batches of about a tablespoon at a time since it’s just one chick. Also take your finger and peck at the food.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi my first grey silkie hatched last night at 11:00pm. I put the chick in the warm brooder at 11:00 this morning. I dipped his beak in water and food. It seemed to peck at the Starter/Grower food but I didn't see him eat much or drink. The food seems a little big for him. Can I moisten the food with water to help him? Any suggestions would be appreciated...

Congratulations!

I always crush my crumble extra for Silkie chicks, sometimes for 2 weeks.

It should still be sleeping a lot and getting it's land legs still. My chicks never drink on day 1. So I wouldn't be worried about it just yet. It still has yolk left in it's tummy to help nourish it while gaining some strength and balance. Do you still have more coming? It's usually best to leave them in the incubator because they peep and encourage the others to hatch.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I too will move my finger around in food sprinkled on the paper towel. Or pick up and drop bits for the babe to see. But that's once they are alert. Give it some time.