How long do my chicks need rocks in there waterer?

[Willow's Meadow]

My chicks are 2 1/2 weeks old and I put rocks in the waterer. Do they still need rocks in the waterer at this age? Can I take them out? If not how long should I leave the rocks in?

 

[write2caroline]

Just the first couple of days. You can take them out now.
Caroline

 

[MMPoultryFarms]

Quote:
Yup

 

[TcherDawn]

I had the same question. Mine are 5 days old now and I am a little sick of cleaning marbles.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

They just need them until they start drinking regularly. The rocks are only there to arouse their curiosity, & they'll peck at the rocks & discover water. I use shiny marbles. They even work on turkey babies!!

 

[dirtdoctor]

Well that depends,

How deep is your waterer? we have to put screens over our waterers they set in the water troughs and are on a slant, so many dumb birds fall in and have no way of getting out, so slanted mesh allows them to drink but not drown. Free rangers in the dog water is sooo common, and yes, they do not survive.

just thinkin out loud, if you have birds that are so stupid that after showing them, putting their beaks in the water, that they will not find it again, do you really wish to continue that strain of birds? we have to keep thinking about strong gene pools. Most people forget that birds are birds, not stupid little people....with feathers.. its insulting to birds everywhere.

 

[dedicateddourly]

Quote:
I thought the rocks are there to keep the babies from drowning in case they fall in.

 

[Willow's Meadow]

Quote:
I thought the rocks are there to keep the babies from drowning in case they fall in.

I thought it was in case they drown to!

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Quote:
I thought the rocks are there to keep the babies from drowning in case they fall in.

For babies, use a quart waterer & they won't drown. I would never use anything they had a chance of drowning in.

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

Quote:
I thought the rocks are there to keep the babies from drowning in case they fall in.

I'm with you...if the water is not too deep for them to fall in, you don't need rocks or marbles. I have had several baby hathces and have NEVER USED either and they do fine. they have an instinct that will lead them to the water. Now Turkeys, I don't know..I was told they can be rather dumb if I may put it so bluntly...haven't raised any from babies so not sure.