New Button Quail Chicks

[OliviaW]

I just got 10 button quail chicks 2 days ago. They had just come out of the incubator that day. I’m struggling to get them to eat and drink? I don’t know if I’m expecting them to eat and drink more than they’re going to? They’re currently just curled up together by the heat lamp not doing much. I’ve only ever had ducks and chickens, so I don’t really know what I’m doing with these tiny precious chicks. If anyone has any advice or suggestions of what to do with them to keep them healthy and strong it would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[muddy75]

I usually add nutridrench to the water and you can dip their beaks in if you’re not seeing them drink. (you can also use save a chick, rooster booster, etc) I grind my food and put in directly on the paper towels during first several days. Check your brooder temp if they are staying huddled vs moving to food and water. you can also add a rice sock for extra warmth.

 

[OliviaW]

I usually add nutridrench to the water and you can dip their beaks in if you’re not seeing them drink. (you can also use save a chick, rooster booster, etc) I grind my food and put in directly on the paper towels during first several days. Check your brooder temp if they are staying huddled vs moving to food and water. you can also add a rice sock for extra warmth.

What would happen if they’re too hot? Do you know? I have the food crushed and mixed with a little water to make it mushier, is that good or bad? One is just laying down, won’t really move much so I’m making sure to use a dropper/dipping it’s beak into water to make sure it’s getting something. I don’t have anything to add to the water would I be able to dissolve some food in water to do the same or should I go get what you suggested? Sorry, I’m still very new to this...

 

[JaeG]

You'll need to keep tapping the food and surface of the water to encourage them to eat and drink. By about day 3 they should have figured it all out and no longer need your encouragement.

 

[muddy75]

What would happen if they’re too hot? Do you know? I have the food crushed and mixed with a little water to make it mushier, is that good or bad? One is just laying down, won’t really move much so I’m making sure to use a dropper/dipping it’s beak into water to make sure it’s getting something. I don’t have anything to add to the water would I be able to dissolve some food in water to do the same or should I go get what you suggested? Sorry, I’m still very new to this...

They usually won’t pile up as much if they are too hot.....it’s not absolutely necessary to add anything to the water. Your brooder should have a cooler area away from the heat for them to move away if they are too warm. You can post pics of your set-up for additional help/advice.