how do I get day or 2 old chicks to eat?

[atfkbattrick]

I lost a chic and I didnt know if it was cuz it didn't eat or drink or what. How do i get them to eat?

 

[trilyn]

Pick up the chick and gently push its beak into the food and then you can also dip its beak in the water. You do need to show them where the food and water is, you are acting in place of a momma hen!

 

[Keri78]

I would take my finger and tap it in the food and show them. Dip their beaks in the water to drink. Once one or two get it the rest will follow suit.

 

[Kittymomma]

They still might not eat much for the first day or two because they are living on the yolk they absorbed right before they hatched--watch out around day 3 though!! I'd check their little backsides and make sure that they don't have pasty butt (dried poo covering/blocking the vent) because that seems more likely then lack of food to cause death. sorry about your chick, it's horrible when you lose them.

 

[pacetruckguy]

I looked at the title of your post and thought you're not going to get much meat.

 

[janieschicks]

Hello,
try warming the water and adding a little sugar to it. the sugar gives them a little appetite. The warm water keeps them from getting chilled. Are they warm enough? I also grind up the chick starter. Only give them sugar water for 1/2 day or so, so they dont get pasty butt. good luck!

 

[poltroon]

Put some food in a shallow lid, so it is like it is on the ground. They'll peck at it when they're ready. And stamp in it, and scatter it... and have an all-around good time.

 

[yourhighness]

Yeah, just taught my girls how to drink, had to tap at the marbles until they copied me Super cute stuff!