when will new chicks start eating

[JayBird+16]

Hatched my first baby chicks last night, about 24 hours ago. When will they start eating? They have been drinking, but no interest in food yet. I've always gotten chicks through the mail before and they are always hungry when they come in.

 

[BeccaB00]

Chicks don't have to eat for about 3 days after they hatch. I think they should figure it out on their own.

The chicks in the mail probably already went through those 3 days and were probably ready to eat.

 

[speckledhen]

Sprinkle some crumble on the floor of the brooder, then tap the floor with your index finger. That simulates a mama hen pecking and showing them how to eat. Mine usually start eating within hours after hatch, though they dont have to.

 

[GeeVee]

when our chicks were a day old, we mashed up some bread and poured water (or hemp milk for omegas) on it. While this was not necessary, the chickies went nuts over it when they saw it on our fingers. Don't worry, they are sure to figure out their food when they are hungry enough

(within another 1-2 days i would say)