babies crying a lot.... what's wrong with them?

[123ChickieLou]

I have two WS chicks that are about 3 or 4 weeks old that have been crying almost constantly. They have plenty of food and water, they have a heat source and are in a plastic bin that's covered (not completely so air will circulate) the only other thing is that the hay is a little dirtier than usual because they didn't get to go outside today. It was too cold for them to go out. I have tried holding them and letting them sleep on me and they were quiet for a little while and really really wanted to stay but I really really had to get up.
Last time I did this I had 4 babies and somehow they were quieter and less messy. These two produce more poop and go through more food than the last four combined. What is up with that??
Could it be that the two of them just can't keep each other warm enough? Obviously an excuse to get more

Looks like I'll be making a trip to the feed store tomorrow unless someone tries to stop me. *sigh* go ahead, someone stop me.

 

[nurse_turtle]

Try placing a stuffed animal or other soft cloth-like thingy in the brooder and tape a small mirror where they can see it.

 

[UncleTommy]

good luck finding more, I've been hunting for a week for more chicks, only 1 out of 10 eggs hatched! I have him in with older chicks, I have 1 5 week old ee/silkie that has taken him in and snuggles with him. the sound of a chick cry is only 2nd to the sound of of a baby crying as the worst sound ever. good luck

ps...be careful about getting sick chicks, since they're for the company of your chicks and you won't quarantining them, I'd look over them with a magnifying glass

 

[123ChickieLou]

Quote:
They are terrified of anything non-organic looking. If its not hay, feed or water, its a no-go. I even tried putting a towel in with them to help cuddle them and they wouldn't go near it. They're very chicken-ey.

 

[123ChickieLou]

Quote:
Uh, no, I had a parakeet that screamed at the top of it's lungs half the day.

This, nor a crying baby don't even come close to that dang bird. I swear though, one of the chicks just screams for the sake of doing it. She seems to do it in her sleep as well.
I tried putting them with my big girl but she pecked them and made them scream.
They probably hate me at the feed store; I'm the lady that comes in and inspects the chicks thouroughly and tells them is anything looks amiss. They don't like being told their business, lol! So, yeah, I look them over pretty well before making a selection.

 

[ChooksChick]

Generally when they are noisy it means they are cold. Perhaps you could lower their light so they can get warmer? Maybe boost the wattage of the bulb?

Do you have a feather duster? They'll be very happy if you do!!

 

[rancher hicks]

I like to put a thermometer at chick level so I can see how hot or cold it is in the brooder. Some how they are uncomfortable. Or they've bonded with you and your are mommy. Do they calm down when your in the room? My older birds calm down when I'm in the coop.

I have been told I spoil my birds and yes I would sleep in the coop if it didn't smell so bad of chickens. Maybe if I put a glass divider with a connecting room. I wonder what shows they'd like on TV.. That would be so cool.

 

[mrandmrschicken]

Check for pasty butt. You might try giving them some finely chopped egg yolk to see if giving them a treat might quiet them, as long as they are warm enough. What are you feeding them?

 

[123ChickieLou]

Their water was dirty! How could I be so blind?? It was dirty on the side that I couldn't see. At least they didn't drink it. I fixed that and all was quiet. Seriously, these babies drink a LOT!

Thanks everyone for the ideas

I'm looking forward to giving them various treats. I suppose egg yolks are a good place to start. I've heard yogurt is a fav but my big girl hates it. Her fav is very warm "chicken mash", which is her regular feed soaked in very warm water. Oatmeal will be next.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Red and subdued light calms them. It is dark, naturally under a broody hen's wings. Bright light makes them nervous. Usually, usually lots of peeping means they are cold. Be cautious, but up the heat, just a bit, by bit. When they stop peeping they are usually warm enough. Then, watch them for the over-heated postures of holding their wings out and panting. That is their signal they are being cooked, of course.