New to BYC from uk

[Mamaoflots]

Hi there, I have 4 girls of different breeds. Plus we have 2 eggs in the incubator. One is a light Sussex and the other is from a mixed batch. They are due to hatch in 10 days. Really hope they are viable as I will have 4 very unhappy children.
We bought the eggs from a local farmer as one of the girls went broody, when I got home with them, I put them under her. She sat for about 3 hours and then was done. So they went quick smart in the incubator.
Anything I should know about when they hatch? Should I hand rear them or put them straight out with the girls?
What should I feed the newly hatched chicks?

Thanks in advance
Zoe.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings, Zoe, and

! Pleased you joined us! Baby chicks are generally given a feed called Chick Starter. Good luck to you and happy hatching!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! x2 on redsoxs's advice, also the Learning Center will help answer a lot of questions: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Welcome to the site!

 

[Mamaoflots]

Yep have the chick crumb ready and waiting! Have been reading yogurt is good. Is that just for chicks or chickens in general? Why?
We feed our girls on layers pellets and mixed corn with any foodwaste/scraps. Bit cannibalistic but they love a good chicken carcass!

 

[drumstick diva]

Please read the threads on incubation and hatching. Baby chicks need a proper brooder with a heat lamp for a few weeks time. They don't get put out immediately with the adult chickens. Generally their mother would give them some protection but that is not the case here. They would get pecked at or much worse. AS you know chickens ARE cannibalistic. Baby chicks generally are not put out in the coop until they are fully feathered out. Others can tell you how to integrate them into the flock with as little stress as possible but, that is a topic for another day.