What do the newly hatched chicks eat?

[ChicoChickens]

We have our first batch of chicks hatching today and that got me wondering... how do they start eating? Does the Mama Hen feed them like other birds or do they eventually dig into the feed like the other chickens? And, if they eat the feed, how soon do they start?

 

[Chickenmaven]

Yikes! Get ye over to your Tractor Supply or elevator and buy some chick starter - pronto! Mama hen will try to care for them, but you can make it easier on her (and them!) by supplying appropriate food.

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

They need chick food.
Be sure to post the results of your first broody hatch!!

 

[ChicoChickens]

LOL, yes I know about the chick starter since that's what we gave ours when we first got them. Guess I was thinking when they are brand new hatchlings the Mama would feed them like baby birds... Yes, I'm a chicken dork.