Are my chicks playing?

[Dolivo]

Hi, first time chick parent here. Got my 20 new chicks yesterday, put them in a brooder that was too small. So today I made a much larger one and moved them over. Then I just watched. They would take turns running, i mean running as fast as they could go, back and forth and back and forth. Nothing was scaring them, so I am assuming this was normal behavior? Is this how they "play"? Also, when should I worry about them starting to fly up a bit in their brooder? They are 3-4 days old. Thanks!

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

That is perfectly normal behaviour, they're just stretching their legs and playing. If you give them a treat, or one of them find a bug or something, you'll see it run around with it, cheeping like mad, with the others chasing it too! Depending on the height of the brooder sides, they may start exploring and escaping when they are about 2 weeks old… And if you think they are running fast now, try catching them once they're out of the brooder!

 

[realsis]

I guess it depends on the breeds too but at about 8 days old mine were trying to fly and doing a pretty good job of it! I'd definitely get a cover so they don't fly out! Of your box. They don't need all their wing feathers to be really good escape artists. Out of my 10 the only one who couldn't fly was my Silver penciled Rock. I think it's because she's a bigger or heavier baby. Just be careful and get a cover soon. Maybe a chicken wire or something you can still see in with.

 

[Dolivo]

Thank you! They are so funny to watch. I guess I didn't expect to see such personalities on chickens. I've never been around them before. I do have the brooder covered with mesh screens. I look forward to learning all about them as I go. I'm sure I will be a steady question-asker here. I have seven different breeds of layers, Rhode island reds, new Hampshire reds, Amber whites,ameraucanas, blue speckled, wyomdottes (sp?), and black australorps.

 

[sumi]

You got some wonderful breeds! I had some hatchery (not "pure") RIR and absolutely adored them. Chickens have a lot of personality, even from a very young age, you'll start seeing some are very people friendly and want attention, some are more assertive, some are escape artists, some are more timid... They are lovely creatures and great fun to have around. You will be amazed how enjoyable chicken keeping can be, I know I was! I impulse bought my first few chicks nearly 10 years ago and I can't imagine my life without them now

If you have time to do some reading, there are some very interesting and informative articles in the Learning Center here, but of course you are more than welcome to ask questions too!

 

[Dolivo]

Thank you! I will definitly check out the learning center!