How to Feed the Hungry Hatched Chicks

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By Nicole Hoelscher
eHow Contributing Writer

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Raising birds from an egg provides a rewarding and educational experience. One of the first things you will need to do once the chicks emerge from their eggs is provide food and water for them. While you are likely eager to begin feeding the baby birds, take some time to do so in the right way. Choosing the right food and offering it in the right way will ensure that they get a healthy start to life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Water
Water bowl
Chick starter feed
Food bowl
Oatmeal, cereal or whole grains
Blender

Step 1

Wait 24 hours before feeding the newly hatched chicks. The nutrients from the egg yolk continue to nourish the chicks for the first 24 hours.
Step 2

Give them plenty of water. Use a heavy container that they can reach but cannot tip over, or a chick-watering device purchased from a farm store.
Step 3

Change the water if it gets dirty. This will need to be done frequently throughout the day.
Step 4

Place a bowl of chick starter feed in the warming box. To attract the chicks' attention, lay a sheet of paper on the bedding and drop a few pieces of the feed on it. The chicks will be attracted to the feed by the noise it makes, thus enticing them to eat.
Step 5

Leave the feed in the warming box. The birds will eat when they are hungry without overeating.

Tips & Warnings

Make a substitute food if chick starter feed is not available. Instant oatmeal or non-sugared whole grain cereals can substitute the starter feed for one day. Whole grains lightly blended in the blender also can be used until feed is purchased.
Chicks must be kept in a warm box. They need a temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything cooler will put the chicks in danger of illness or death.
A cardboard egg carton works as a feeding tray if you do not have a bowl. Do not use a foam container, as foam could harm the chicks.
If you notice a chick that does not want to drink, gently place its beak in the water. However, do not allow its nostrils to go in the water, as this can drown the bird. Just a slight dip in the water is usually all it takes to make the chick take a drink.
If you are feeding baby chicks and mother birds in the same habitat, use a chick feeder with an opening that the mother birds cannot access. This will prevent the mature birds from eating the more expensive chick food.
Avoid handling the newly hatched chicks too frequently. They are delicate and will be hurt if dropped. If you must handle them, slip a hand under one chick's tummy, then hold the chick in your hand with the other hand resting firmly on top.