What do I feed my chicks on the first few days?

[ChickForLife]

Some people say I should only do electrolytes and water, but others say to only do feed and water, What do I do?

 

[Looney Bin]

I like to eat and drink, so does the chicks.Water and chick starter and your good to go.

 

[ChickForLife]

So I don't need to put any electrolytes in there water.

 

[Looney Bin]

You can if you have some,I usually don’t water seems to do the trick.If your chicks are lethargic and showing signs of illness you may be more inclined to add the electrolytes.I tend to think more natural when possible.

 

[DobieLover]

Electrolytes are helpful for the first three days to help the chicks recover from stress.
They should be given chick starter immediately and have it available during all waking hours.

 

[ChickForLife]

Okay, so I should only use electrolytes if they need it?

 

[sourland]

If your chicks have been shipped electrolytes might be a good idea as already suggested by DobieLover.

 

[ChickForLife]

My chicks are shipping from Missouri and I live in Connecticut, so it might take about three days to ship. Does that make a difference?

 

[NatJ]

Offer them chick starter at all times.
Offer them plain water at all times.
Optional: add a second water container, with electrolytes in that water.

Trust them to make their own choices among the sensible options you provide.

And when you feel that you "must" offer them a treat--try getting a small amount of feed wet with water. Somehow that makes it extra-tasty, so they get a treat without messing up the balance of what they should be eating in the first few days. (Other treats are appropriate later, but not really in the first few days.)

 

[ChickForLife]

Thank you, this is very helpful!