HELP! New day-old hatches, acting lethargic - don't know what to do!

[durangochic]

Hi-

I purchased 4 Blue Slate turkey chicks today, and have them at home in a brooder. Unfortunately, they are acting MUCH differently than my brooder full of day old chicks. They are laying down, eyes closed, presumably sleeping, and I have yet to see them drink water or eat, although I've tried to 'show' them where the food and water are located. The feed is in a normal chick dispenser and the water in a screw-top dispenser - same as the chicks. Any suggestions? Is this normal?

Thanks

 

[ivan3]

What is the temp in the brooder? How were they behaving when you got them? They'll still be absorbing yolk for a couple of days so interest in food and water won't be great. If they look like they are fading away (not holding up heads/constantly sleeping/peeping incessantly) drip a little sugar water on side of beaks. To help them with the food and water: food can be placed on tin foil (shiny) and work with the liveliest poult (dipping beak in water) once one picks it up the others follow. Have also had good luck placing small moths (wingless)/mealworms into feeder (or from between fingers and then to feeder).

28-30% gamebird starter is recommended feed.