Feeding Time for Newborn Baby Chicks: The Critical First Days

Newly hatched baby chicks are a popular addition to many households, and one of the most common questions often revolves around how long these newborns can survive without food.

Understanding the Initial Period

A baby chick, or hatchling, typically has enough nutrients to last it around 24 to 48 hours after hatching (Source: ). During this period, the yolk sac that the chick absorbs before hatching serves as a vital source of energy and nutrients. This is nature's way of providing the essential sustenance needed right after hatching.

Living Without Food: What Happens Next?

Once the yolk sac's nutrients are depleted, it's crucial to start feeding the chick an appropriate diet. Typically, chicks can survive for about a week without food (Source: ). However, during this time, they must be kept in a quiet environment to conserve their energy and prevent unnecessary stress.

What If the Yolk Sac Starter Fails?

In some cases, the yolk sac may not provide enough nutrients for the entire 48-hour period, particularly if the chick is very small or underdeveloped. Some newly hatched chicks might not last more than 72 hours without additional feeding (Source: ). It's crucial to pay close attention to the chick's condition and ensure it is getting the necessary energy.

Precautions for Maintaining Humidity and Quality

If you are incubating eggs, it might take more than 24 hours for all the chicks to hatch. In such cases, you need to wait for the last chick to be dried before retrieving them all at once to prevent the remaining eggs from drying out. If the remaining eggs show no signs of hatching, you may have to act quickly to ensure the chicks have enough space, although not at the expense of humidity levels (Source: ).

Routine for Chicks from Hatcheries

For chicks purchased from a hatchery, they are often around 2 to 3 days old when you receive them. They haven't eaten yet, and it's essential to understand that they can survive for 72 hours without feeding (Source: ). Hatcheries adjust their hatching schedules so that the chicks can hatch on specific days to ensure they arrive in the best condition. If the weather is favorable and not too extreme, the chicks can survive without further feeding for a few days. However, it's always better to start feeding and providing water as soon as possible.

Summary

While newborn chicks can survive a week without food, it's important to start feeding them as soon as possible to ensure their healthy growth and development. The yolk sac plays a crucial role in providing nutrients for the first 48 hours, after which it's vital to transition to a proper diet.

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Keywords: newly hatched chicks, feed time, chick nutrition