Chicks are born with the ability to forage and are considered precocial, as described in the biological term. They possess the innate instinct to seek out food sources such as bugs, seeds, and grit. Hens play a vital role in teaching the chicks how to drink water and find the best food. It is a delightful sight to witness hens guiding their chicks in the art of “bugging,” with the chicks scattered around but attentive to their mother’s soft purr/cluck noises and observing her keen eye. If you’re seeking more information on raising chicks, I recommend referring to the following resources:

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chicks.html

http://www.motherearthnews.com/eggs.aspx