Chick boredom quandary-please answer!

[Kjirstyn]

I have 4 chicks that are 3 weeks old. I am having the HARDEST time finding much literature on chicks-- most of it seems to be on full grown chickens and the only chick literature refers to their first week and setting up the brooder/etc. I understood that 6 weeks in a brooder was about the norm, and then they can move outside although possibly not nights, if it's still cold.

Well, mine are 3 weeks old and they seem like they're getting pretty bored. They have roosts to play on but I can't really think of anything else for a chick to do! They're huge people food fans, so whenever they get too antsy or start antagonizing each other, I'll give them a small dish of treats or people food or something, and that keeps them busy for awhile, then they'll nap, then it starts all over again. They're eating a ton of their own feed in addition to the treats, so I don't think I'm ruining their appetites.

What is your experience with this? How big of a space would you expect to be fair for four, 3 week old chicks? They're still quite small, really. They stay in their area, but they're trying to fly now and two of them have figured out how to roost on the edge of the brooder. What's next? I don't want them to get antsy and cranky and start up bad behaviors, but maybe I'm worrying overly much about behavior that's totally normal, just because I'm around and seeing them all day. (They're inside.)

Thanks so much for any input!

 

[Makomd]

Pretty much like a baby human. Sleep, eat, sleep, eat.......... Sounds normal to me. Wait until they are 20 weeks and you try to get them back in the coop after they found a way out, you'll wish they were just eating and sleeping. LOL Enjoy your chicks.

 

[red golden]

I think you might be getting to worried . Do you. have shavings or anything for them to dust bath in. If they are eating good and drinking and lively they will be fine.

 

[Kjirstyn]

Thanks for saying it straight. I DO tend to worry too much, so I don't have a problem finding out that everything's fine-- that's good news. Their bedding is shavings, and I change it daily, so they do have clean dusting material. I've got them dusting in it a few times, actually. So I guess we're good, thanks so much for easing my mind!

 

[ronott1]

Thanks for saying it straight. I DO tend to worry too much, so I don't have a problem finding out that everything's fine-- that's good news. Their bedding is shavings, and I change it daily, so they do have clean dusting material. I've got them dusting in it a few times, actually. So I guess we're good, thanks so much for easing my mind!

You can get them a Chick version of a Flock Block. I think Farmers Helper make it. They have to peck on it so it helps them learn to forage.

They will be fine!

 

[gimmie birdies]

I think you are doing good. my 3 week olds look pretty bored if I only give them chick food. try lettuce too. I put in scrambled eggs they go bananas!

 

[Kjirstyn]

I think you are doing good. my 3 week olds look pretty bored if I only give them chick food. try lettuce too. I put in scrambled eggs they go bananas!

Oh goodness, my poor little girls have tried everything on the block! And yes, it does keep them busy, which is probably why I keep providing it. But like I said, they eat truckloads of people food and still suck down their chick feed, so I think they have some pretty hefty appetites! Their feathers are growing like crazy, though, and they're practicing their flying whenever they can, so I suppose they burn off lots of energy. :-D

 

[ronott1]

Quote: Be careful about how much treats you give them. They really do best being fed mostly starter at 3 weeks old.

 

[gimmie birdies]

scramble,scramble scramble Yeah!

 

[WickeeChickee]

I'm having the same issues with my 7 day olds! I don't give them much people food yet, but they just seem so bored! What seems to occupy mine (6 BO's) is changing up the scenery. I keep their feeder/waterer in the same place but I'll add a new stick to roost on, or move the roosts around. Today I got a clean, flat rock from the garden that is about 6 inches square. It was still warm from the sun, and I sprinkled a few bits of grass and play sand on top of it. CHICK HEAVEN! They were all trying to sit on it at once and some were sitting on others' heads while others were perching their fluffy butts on the edge trying to claim some space. That kept them occupied for quite a while! Also, I put the brooder by the window so they can sit in sunbeams, they like that too!