How long before chicks need to eat and drink after hatch?

[macdoogle]

I know it's 72 hours but is that from pip, zip or actually out of the shell?

 

[jvls1942]

from hatch, 72 hours.. but they will eat within a few hours after hatching if they are put in with chicks that are eating and drinking.. they learn by watching..

 

[Desert Rooster]

Quote:
x2 you could also dip their beaks in the water so they'll know what it is.

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
x2 you could also dip their beaks in the water so they'll know what it is.

Yes, I have done that also.. but if you have a lot of chicks at one time, you have to do it to only a few to get the ball rolling..

 

[theghostandmrchicken]

Shouldn't the chicks have a natural instinct to drink water?

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
If they were outside and stumbled upon a puddle,, yes.. but they don't always find the water dish until it is shown to them..
eventually they would find it by accident.. they have a keen instinct to peck at tiny spots on the ground.. so they learn to eat more easily than drink..

 

[macdoogle]

Thanks I have a chick that zipped early yesterday and finally hatched tonight. 3 more eggs pipped and nothing else. Now on day 23. So it's OK to leave chick inthe bator for an other 48 hours.?

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
yes.. you can...

I do it this way.. If the chick is dried off and walking around, and there are NO PIPS, I take it out as soon as I can.. I feel they are better off in the brooder where they can drink and eat if they choose to..

 

[Alpops]

I have one lone little chick out first who hasn't eaten or drunk anything since hatching 3 days ago....he is being hatched by a broody duck!! so have been dipping his beak in the food and water near them, but he just pips away and shows no interest. WIth no-one to copy do you have any ideas how to help him along? Any advice would be great!

 

[jvls1942]

I have one lone little chick out first who hasn't eaten or drunk anything since hatching 3 days ago....he is being hatched by a broody duck!! so have been dipping his beak in the food and water near them, but he just pips away and shows no interest. WIth no-one to copy do you have any ideas how to help him along? Any advice would be great!

how many eggs are left under the duck ? the duck should get off the nest and show the youngster how to eat.. and maybe it will never learn and just die.. You have shown it how.. there is not much more you can do.. give it another day.. it just might start on its own..