Chicks are sleepy during the day... any problems?

[Dragonwolfmastr]

Hi, just wondering about some tiredness from my four 6 week old chicks. They live in a 2.5' x 2.5' x 2.5' brooder and have pine shavings. We recently ran out of starter feed so the lady at the store said we could blend up some grower feed and that would work. They seem to actually be eating a bit less of it and it runs out slower. But they drink and eat when they need to, I'm pretty sure. They have a nest box that they sleep in at night with mama Silkie hen, Blinky. During the day, they seem to be active when I move them outside or inside and run around, sometimes they jump at each other and flap their wings, but recently I've observed them being sleepy during the daytime. Maybe they are bored, I don't know, but when I come in the room they are usually sitting on the floor, sometimes with their heads tucked in their wings. When I let them sit on my lap they preen for a bit then fall asleep. Is this normal? Are they not eating enough feed? Hoping I can get a bit of information about this. Mama seems a bit confused and usually sits with them, but she acts normal and does not seem as tired.

Please say if you need photos or videos to figure things out, I'd be happy to provide some.

Update: May 23, 2020. Leaving until 4pm. Will not be able to reply.

 

[birdsrfun]

First I would say that at 6 weeks old, they need way more room than that small brooder box. They need to exercise their wings And have room to grow.

Do you have other birds? Mama hen and babies should be roosting at night, if not in the main coop, then at least in a separate coop. Just make sure you have lower roosts, although at 6 weeks, they can get up pretty well. At 6 weeks, they should be able to live outside, unless you are in a really cold area. In May, I don’t know where that would be. And mama hen should be protective of them with the others.

Chicks, and all chickens do a lot of sleeping. This is normal. They should be very active in the mornings. You mention letting them out. Do you have a large run, or do you let them out free range? Although mama hen is there, I think you should still supervise, depending on your predators in your area.

If they have room to scratch around, and practice flying and working their wings, and learning about the outside, you will find they are more active.

 

[Dragonwolfmastr]

We do have other birds. We had 3 birds and lost one about a week ago-- but the chicks aren't allowed to be with them yet, for safety reasons. I'm in Seattle WA so it's not too cold right now, but we let them sleep inside anyways.

We have a large section of chicken wire that we put out and surround them, just because they are very skittish and would run right through the holes in the fence if we let them out!

We do supervise, there are many hawks around who'd like the taste of chick....

I was probably worrying too much. They go outside every day, are safe and happy... they seem to be more active in the mornings when I check on them. Thanks!