Diet: Chickens

Baby chickens (chicks) typically hatch with a stomach still full of egg yolk. Hatching is hard work, as is learning to walk, so for the first 24 hours they won't likely eat, but instead will need plenty rest and time to learn to use their legs. They may start to practice pecking on the first day, but if you don't see a chick eating much the first day, there's typically no cause for concern. The exception to this is for late hatches. Some of their food reserves may be used up, and they should be encouraged to eat on the first day.

Chicks are self-feeding from birth. Which means their parents do not deliver food directly to their mouths. Instead, with guidance at first, they immediately begin pecking food from the ground the same as adult chickens. This doesn't mean they can eat exactly the same thing as adult chickens, however. Chicks require their food to be much smaller.

A baby chick can eat:

• cooked rice

• eggs

• tofu

• millet

• non citrus fruits

• chopped vegetables

• chick specific feed or crumble.

Chicks would typically learn to scratch and eat by watching their parents and siblings... so if you have a lone chick you should watch carefully to make sure it's eating. You may need to use your fingers to walk your hand around with the chick and tap at the food until they start eating.

Chicks also need non-soluble grit available to them at all times.

Chicks can have a water source available at all times if the water level is kept no higher than 1/4 inch. Do Not leave chicks younger than 1 week alone with water that is deeper than this because they can very easily drown, and often do. The concern decreases as chicks get older. It's best to use a water dispenser designed specifically for chicks because of this. It also prevents them from walking and pooping in the water, and will require less maintenance.

TIPS for chicks that are crashing: If it's not eating, mix banana with sugar in water and drip a little on the tongue. Just a tiny amount, normally they love sugar. KEY is HEAT and sugar