first hatchings..

[2manychickenz]

Ugh...on a mobile decixe. Chicks are hatching as i type...when should i supply water and starter food?

 

[Lizz9311]

Chicks can last up to 3 days on the nutrition from the yolk they absorbed before hatching.

 

[2manychickenz]

With that being said three days? Then start feeding them?

 

[Lizz9311]

You can offer food before that if you want. From what I understand is experienced hatchers wait until most or all of the eggs have hatched before opening the incubator to move chicks to the brooder and food. That is where the three day thing comes in. You have three days to wait for as many chicks to hatch as possible before having to open the 'bator and remove chicks.

 

[2manychickenz]

I failed to mention its el nataurel. A broody hen is doing all the work????

 

[Joshua G]

If a broody is hatching them then, she will leave the nest after the second day. (usually)
You can put out food and water after she leaves and when she finds it she will sound a "food call" and then the chicks will come running for it.

 

[happyhens1972]

Yes, make food and water available staright away and the hen will take them to it when she is ready. Chicks CAN go three days without food and water but they are equally capable of eating from day one so it will do no harm to have chick crumble waiting for them.