Are they normally quiet/calm right after hatching?

[JustPeachy]

I have only ever gotten chicks from a hatchery so they were usually a few days old when I got them. Well I just hatched out my first batch of chicks and they don't seem very active compared to the ones I have had before, is that normal? They hatched out late yesterday afternoon and into the night. Today they chirp if I disturb them but are mostly just laying down all the time. The ones I got from the hatchery were always running around and really active when I got them. Is it just going to take them some time to get up their energy after working so hard to hatch? They aren't completely dry yet, should I try and dry them off, would that help? If so, what should I use- a blowdryer or a towel? I have food and water available for them but they aren't showing any interest in it yet.
Thanks!!!

 

[awilde20]

Depending on how strong the chicks are and how long it took them to hatch, chicks will either be running around like crazy or need a few days to re-coup from their hatching. I would let them rest and they will probably be running around by tomorrow. Usually my chicks take at least 24 hours before they move around constantly. Also, I would let the chicks dry off on their own. Again, this usually takes mine around 24 hours before they turn into fluff balls!

 

[JustPeachy]

Quote:
Thanks! I was worried about them, they did seem to take a while to hatch to me, over an hour for some after they had already zipped or unzipped or whatever its called... this was my 1st hatch so I had no idea, I thought they would dry fast and be running around like the ones Iv'e gotten from the hatchery

 

[danielle82]

oh yes, and it worried me at first too! its normal to see them sleeping alot, and lying quietly...their little bodies get tuckered out the first day or two

 

[mulewagon]

The ones you get from the hatchery are about two days old when they arrive - they mature a lot in two days! If they were hatched by their mama, they'd be under her for two days until she left the nest.

 

[cmom]

It's hard work hatching so now they are resting.