This is our first ever chicks hatching. Got home last night late and had a couple chicks hatched under the mama. My problem is we have not picked up any starter feed yet. Everything is closed today, and tomorrow being that it is Memorial day weekend. To get us through can we put some laying pettets in the food processor and grind them up till tuesday when we can get some starter?
That, or you could scramble them some eggs to eat also!! You don't have a TSC close to you?? Missi ETA: I just looked it up and you have a TSC in Minden!!
TSC will be open today. Some of the grocery stores here even carry chick feed, and thought Walmart is many miles away, they do, too. The problem with the layer feed is the high calcium content. It can have an adverse effect on down the road if they eat it as chicks. I'd try to get starter, failing that hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, always having access to grit.
When you order chicks, they don' have food in the shipping container. I'm sure that they do get hungry, but they live on the yoke for several days without any horrible effects. Like Barred Babies said, a scrambled or boild egg mashed up will take care of them and mostly your anxiety!
I could be wrong, but chicks don't need to eat for two or three days after hatching. That is why they only ship day old chicks. I understand that they live off of their yolk. I could be wrong as I am new to chickens myself. Anyone else? also: Congratulations!
so I guess that answers my next question. I will not clean out the shells as we go then! Did not think about TSC! There is one about 35 miles away. I will run out there today. That is what I love about byc. everybody helps everybody! Thanks!
For one day I have fed chicks layer feed cut with cornmeal. They can eat cornmeal, grits, oatmeal, and similar stuff out of your pantry (use sand for grit) in a pinch. But I doubt your chicks will get that hungry if they just hatched out last night. I see you are going to TSC, but I just thought I'd mention that there are several things that you probably have on hand that they can eat for a day.
I think we are gonna relax and stick with the jelly making instead of stressing out. will scramble a egg in the morning and maybe put out a little corn meal but they are not even leaving the box yet (on purpose). Thanks for all the help! I put pics on the incubation page the post is named BABIES...........we got em
