Chick Behavior Questions

[Wawa Coffee]

Hi Gang.

As I watch these 7 day old chicks develop I'm trying to figure out some of their behaviors. What is the purpose of nuzzling food from their feeder to the ground to eat it? Does it mimick scratching for bugs? The other one I can't figure is the chicks will dive between each other's legs to try to get closest to the edge of the brooder. Is this a perceived safety thing?

Thanks in advance for the replies!

 

[WannabeFarmer5]

I wish I could help but I only noticed my chicks doing the feeder thing. But have you given some bugs? We used to do that and it was extremely entertaining!
Good luck with your chicks!!!

 

[Lamaremybabies]

All chickens will instinctively scratch at just about anything for a couple reasons; 1. They are searching for bugs or that extra special piece of food that obviously tastes better than the rest. And 2. It's actually a way to keep their nails from growing too long.

Now I'm not sure if I'm correct but I've always assumed chicks do that whole dive under everyone else thing because if they were with mama hen that's where they'd be going for warmth and security, so I think it's an instinctual reaction. I actually have a 3 month old silkie who still burrows under the other chickens at night because it's warm and cozy.

Hope this was helpful!

 

[Wawa Coffee]

All chickens will instinctively scratch at just about anything for a couple reasons; 1. They are searching for bugs or that extra special piece of food that obviously tastes better than the rest. And 2. It's actually a way to keep their nails from growing too long.

Now I'm not sure if I'm correct but I've always assumed chicks do that whole dive under everyone else thing because if they were with mama hen that's where they'd be going for warmth and security, so I think it's an instinctual reaction. I actually have a 3 month old silkie who still burrows under the other chickens at night because it's warm and cozy.

Hope this was helpful!

Absolutely! Thanks!