Chick Activity

[Layira]

So, I got 6 red leghorn chicks on Monday night that were ordered from McMurray. That night they were all pretty sleepy, which I guess is to be expected after the trip. Yesterday (Tuesday), when I got home from work (8:00 pm), the chicks were very active, like running around and doing chick stuff; eating and drinking and being generally obnoxious. I noticed one of them didn't seem so excited as the others, she wasn't constantly pecking at the ground like the rest, but she was alert and walking around just fine. I picked her up to see if she was ok, and she didn't seem out of the ordinary.

So my question is, how much activity should I see in the chicks the first few days? I just don't want to find out one of my chicks wasn't eating for whatever reason, and I'm just wondering how different I should expect their 'moods' to be.

Thanks!

~Anna

 

[TC_BokBok]

I just got my order from MPC yesterday (03/30) and they were born on 03/29. All day they went from exploring small areas of the brooder but generally staying together > to sleeping > to an occasional sprint > to climbing up on things they could like the feeder. Finally last night as I was checking on them and the brooder temps they had finally settled down after the long trip and the long day at their new home.

Some were sleeping like tripods, some where all smooshed down laying on the bedding. I did take note all day though that when they slept they liked to do it together huddled despite the correct temps in the brooder. A community flock thing that just part of their nature I think.

Around 1am this morning I checked on them again and they were all laying down now and SOUND asleep. When the wife checked on them this morning around 7am they were still SOUND asleep but by 7:45am they were awake and peeping like normal. Who knows how many times they got up and then went back to sleep again through the night.

I have found that my chicks absolutely love when I put my hand in the brooder and wiggle my fingers all around. They will come and chase me wherever I move my hand. I have them running through a little tower I made for them out of a bucket and cutting circles and everything. It's too cute.

So that's the activity I've seen so far other than some very interesting behavior when they poop. Funny stuff.

 

[chicmom]

Mostly, chicks are active (as you described), and then they're sleepy--active--sleepy. You will know if one of the chicks isn't quite right. I have one now that I know isn't 100% normal....

This little chick is a bit slower than the others....it wil run a bit, sit a bit, run a bit, sit a bit.....looks just fine, but the behavior isn't quite right. Seems calmer than the others. Also, I noticed it does pant a bit with it's little beak open. The others don't do this.

Right now these chicks are almost 5 days old. I keep an eye on the odd one. It looks perfectly normal, but it's actions tell me otherwise.

All you can do, really with a chick like that is keep an eye on it. Watch and see how it goes. Sometimes they turn out fine, and sometimes they die and you never know why.

Good luck with your chicks! Sounds like you've got mostly, nice healthy ones!

Sharon

 

[rancher hicks]

Try to remember they are babies and w/ all the activity they may not be able to get to rest. I had a couple in my first batch that I had to remove to a private dark box for a couple of days so they could rest and sleep. Give them their own food and wate and keep them warm and let them sleep. Mine bounced back and all was ok. Stress can cause lots of problems.
All the Best
Rancher

 

[Backyard Hencam]

You will know there is a problem if there is something really abnormal in their behavior. As long as your quiet one is eating and drinking, things will probably be fine. One of ours (the EE) was quiet from the beginning. Even at a year old, she is not as active as the others but is a fine healthy hen. Personality?

 

[Layira]

Quote:
I noticed this too. It seemed like whenever one or two decided to take a nap at the same time, the rest of them settled down too.

Quote:
I've definitely seen that trend occurring lol, they'll all be running around and then all fall asleep! haha.

She doesn't seem to be acting out of the ordinary except that she's not as frantic as the others, meaning she just isn't as crazy lol. Then again, I don't monitor them constantly since I'm not home during the day usually.

Yeah, I certainly will watch her, thanks for sharing!

Rancher, I guess in a situation like that the chick in question would show more symptoms so I don't think that's necessary at this point. However, should I noticed a huge change, I would definitely consider isolating her. Thanks!

Cambriagardener, that's pretty much the only reason I'm not super concerned right now, because she is eating and drinking and doesn't seem really bizzare compared to the others.

Thanks for all the replies!!

~Anna