What do right after chicks hatch?

[eman]

I have 4 or 5 buff orpinton eggs that should hatch this weekend. My question is what do I need to do right after they hatch? Should I put out food and water right away? I know it's a stupid question...sorry.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[jimnjay]

You should leave the in the incubator/hatcher until they are good and dry and fluffy. 24 hours is not to long. Once they are ready to move to the brooder that is already set up and around 90 degrees under the lamp, you can show them where the water is. Put them on paper towels for the first few days. Not newspaper! You can sprinkle some food on the paper but they really will not be to interested until day 2 or three. Make sure they have room to move away from the lamp if they get to hot and they should be fine.

Some people feel providing food prior to day 3 contributes to pasty butt. I can't say one way or the other. Just make sure that if you see poo clinging to their butt, you keep it clean. It can cause health problems.

Good Luck with your babies.