Negligence... what do you think will happen?

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Spare yourself the worry and the excess work. Time to get a bigger waterer and feeder, If they can't make through the night with what you have then it's just not enough.

 

[Spires6]

You're chicks are probably fine. Once you get past the first 2 weeks they are usually pretty hardy. Just start watering twice a day or move up to a larger waterer. I use a 2 gallon for 13(adult) chickens and that works fine. Used to use a 5 gallon but it's too heavy to carry far. I also don't keep a brooder lamp on them after 2 weeks unless it's cold out at night and then I just turn it on at night.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Just watch to make sure they don't get wet and chilled. Chicks will scramble over one another to get to the water and get soaked.

 

[lisahaschickens]

I can't believe you still have 30 5 week old chicks in the house! I only have 15, and at that age, I had mine out in the coop for three weeks and changed to a 16 lb hanging adult feeder and 5 gallon adult waterer. They eat and drink SO fast it's amazing to me... and I'm still not used to it. They are now 7.5 weeks old and I think I might run out of feed before my next shipment comes because I didn't think I needed to reorder so soon!

It sounds like yours will be fine. They got to drink so all is well. I'm sure they can go a few hours without food, so that part is not a worry. Don't beat yourself up! We're all learning as we go through this (all of us newbies, anyway). I just think this was a good way to tell you that it's time to get bigger waterers and feeders!

 

[Jena]

andisgarden,

Sorry I asked the question and was then called away,

I am so pleased they are ok. I am sure it is so stressful when you have babied them for so long.

So pleased all is well.

Jena.