2 month olds smothering each other at night

[Judy]

OK, good, too old to be cold. I would think then that they are being frightened. I agree they need a roost, or at least it is a very good idea, but I'm not sure it is going to solve the problem. Is the hutch in a secure building, or outdoors?

Chickens will huddle together to sleep as a social thing, but piling to the point of suffocation is not the same as huddling. Something is causing them to pile, I really feel.

 

[Maryallison]

Hey again Dawn. The chickens seem to be doing this huddling inside or outside the coop. I am unsure why too.

Someone else suggested a light in the coop. Maybe they will feel better with a light inside the coop.

 

[Maryallison]

oh...didn't answer everything....

the mini coop is in a metal walled fence that is 12 x 12. I let them in the fenced area all day so the only time they are in the coop is overnight. I mean there is room for each chick to sleep and not be on each other, but they seem to choose to smash each other. And to me it seems like the bottom smooshed chicks seem to have some internal injury cause they are sometimes alive, but not active the next morning.

 

[Judy]

I've never heard of anything besides cold or fear causing piling that is bad enough to suffocate them. But then I am sure there are things I haven't heard of that happen!!!

I don't know. Maybe a light would help. I don't personally feel that a light 24/7 is good for them long term, but it might not have to be long term.

It doesn't take much to frighten them. Mine are nearly 6 months and run indoors when ANY bird, even one much smaller than they are, flies over. True, we have hawks nesting nearby, but usually it is a mockingbird or bluebird or something, and there have been no losses, to hawks or anything else.

 

[Judy]

You were posting while I was. I am still mystified.

 

[Judy]

What breed are they?

 

[Maryallison]

oh I am just so confused..... Wish I didn't stress out so easy.... Just want my babies to be ok. Ok...no light and I will work on roosts. My DH won't be able to help me till the weekend and I feel like I gotta try something soon. I am already pretty sure I have another that won't make it after last night.

 

[Maryallison]

Frizzles, silkies, cochin, polish

 

[Judy]

No, calm down, go ahead and try the light for a while, you need to do something. and maybe it will help.

I'm going to try some searches.

 

[Maryallison]

Oh thank you so much! If there is anything else you need to know please just ask.