New hatchlings and water?

[sgray136]

I know this probably sounds a little funny and I can't believe I never thought about it before but...

Should I have a waterer in the incubator for the newly hatched chicks or are they fine for the first 48 hrs?

DUH!

 

[hinkjc]

They actually do not need food or water for the first 72 hours. Most people try to get them started on eating/drinking as soon as they can, but it really isn't necessary just our human nature to nurture. A chick can survive on the yolk they absorbed during hatch for up to 3 days safely and I've even heard 4 days. I would not put a 'water bowl' in the bator for them. When they hatch they are trying to get their feet working and you risk accidental drowning and well, the drink is just not needed.

Jody

 

[sgray136]

Thank you very much. That is what I had thought I had read but during the stress of my first hatch I would probably question my opinion as to the color of the sky.