When will they start wanting to eat?

[FridayYet]

Hi -

My very first batch of chicks hatched yesterday, and I've never had "newborns" before. My other chickens were all several days old, or older, when I got them.

They don't seem to be interested in eating or drinking, although they will swallow fine when I dip their beaks. I know their yolk will hold them for a few days, but when should they start searching for food on their own? I've been tapping at the crumbles, but only one has been interested enough to peck.

Thanks!

 

[azygous]

As they finish absorbing their yolk sack, their appetites will awaken. Sometimes it's necessary to sprinkle the chick crumbles on a paper towel so they will notice them and begin picking them up.

Keep careful watch for pasty butt!

If you haven't read about the best, new method of brooding chicks, the Mama-heating pad system, check it out on this forum. It's light years superior to a heat lamp, safer, more natural, and it avoids over-heating, one of the main causes of pasty butt, which can kill.

 

[FridayYet]

Thanks azygous! I read about the mama heating pad after I bought the Eco-glow. i do put dishtowel over the top to make it more like a cave. I love not having a heat lamp and it works well in the dog kennel I use to brood the chicks in. (The plastic kennel keeps them safe from my dogs, too!)

Will keep a close eye on their behinds. Thanks again.