how long to expect them to drink?

[mommathea]

We just picked up some chicks from a hatery somewhat near. When we left they weren't even fully fluffed out.
When we got home I dipped their beaks in the water, but none of them started drinking it. I know they got some because they tilted their heads up and made gulping motions. But none ventured on their own.

Should I keep introducing them to it every so often?
When should I expect them to eat and drink?

Thanks!

 

[Master S.M.C]

refrain from handling for the first 24hours, they won't drink until they have wormed up and even so if your water isn't at around 98 degrees the still may not because they lose to much heat.

 

[RendonRoo]

Once should do it. They will drink when they need water. I hope you have a heat light. They need to be kept about 95 degrees for first week and drop temp. 5 degrees a week. Good Luck and read all you can on here. Best way to learn.

 

[mommathea]

Thanks, their in the brooder at 95* They stayed nice and warm in the car with a handwarmer in the box with them. It read almost 100, to keep them warm while they finished drying.

 

[gritsar]

Chicks can live off the nutrition of their yolk for the first three days of life. That's why it's possible to ship chicks all over the country without worrying about food or water and why it's possible they won't show much interest in food or water today.
By tomorrow but maybe not until the next they should be ready for some food and water. Just keep it available to them.
Beware of them getting too warm as well as too cold.
Enjoy!

 

[Snakeoil]

Once is enough, they will drink when they need to.

 

[sully707]

and oh man... will they drink and eat.

 

[LilBizzy]

Quote:
and poop