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!!!
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!
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
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
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.
