When do I start feeding/watering new ones?

[Whistling Badger]

Howdy. We're in the process of our first hatch

and wondering: Should we have food/water available from the moment they go into the brooder? My instinct is to wait until they are at least walking reasonably well and aware of their surroundings.

Thanks!

Tom

 

[LynneP]

Mine were 12 hours old when I got them and I watered them with drops on my fingertips. I notice that many here use marbles or rocks in the fountains to keep the babies safe. I'm sure you'll get lots on help on this, soon. Mine (golden comet, and production reds) began eating shortly after.

 

[hinkjc]

I put food and water in the brooder immediately. For standard fowl, I usually don't use marbles but for bantams and wild species (quail, pheasant, turkey, etc) I do because they are at higher risk of drowning.

Jody