No chick starter on hand

[roofgoat]

Our hen had her 8 chicks hatch last night. All of our farm/feed stores are closed on Sundays. What can I give the chicks today until I can get them chick starter tomorrow? Thanks.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Chicks actually can live off of their yolk sac that they absorbed right before they hatched for 2-3 days. The chicks don't NEED food right now, so you could wait until tomorrow to get them their food.

 

[Quail Keeper]

They don't have to have food until 2 to 3 days after they hatch. Same with water. You can wait until tomorrow or add some water to pellet feed and give it to them as mush. You can also feed them boiled or scrambled eggs.

 

[what did I do]

You don't have to feed starter to new chicks as long as they are cared for by a hen. You can feed grower or whatever your hen eats. If they free range the hen will feed them what they need. If they don't free range, just give them something else besides layer.

 

[uzto]

Chicks will usually go for a day or two when first hatched without eating. Right before they hatch they absorb the remaining yolk part of the egg, so that they will have the energy to wait for a day or two before trying to find their first meal. I wouldn't get to worried about it.

 

[farm girl]

They will be fine without food, til there 3 days old!