yes they can you need to put them in your own quick slot bar and your toon carries them not the hatchling also with the star its best to use an SE as they can emp the hatchling and root the mobs for the hatchling for easy kills
RampantLiones
A GOOD WAR SMITH IS AN HONOURABLE ONE :)
Put them in your quick bar, then right click them to automate their use, just like you would your own. If you see his mouth glow for a second, it's working.
Umm....it's just a thought....but did you buy AND equip a weapon for the hatchling?
The weapon needs to be in the hatchlings inventory and there should be a 'green line' around the equipment indicating that it is equipped. Once done, the hatch should auto-equip the same items the next time you summon it, as long as you have the items in your inventory.