chicks huddled together

[ajlynco]

Is it normal for my 11 chicks to sleep all bunched up together? They're healthy and active and the temp in the brooder is good. When they take thier naps during the day they fall asleep just about anywhere, but most of the time at night they'll bunch up together and sleep in a tight group. My guess is this is thier natural instinct and they do it for warmth and protection. Input?

 

[mulewagon]

They could be a bit too cold at night. I would give them another lamp, placed so they can move into a cooler area if they need to.

 

[greenckick]

I don't know if it is chicken behavior but it is my chicken's behavior too. This is my first batch and they are 4-5 weeks old. We put them outside in the coop when we had some days over 70 degrees the last week or so and when they were not eating or scratching or pushing each other down the ramp they were all snuggled up together in a nesting box. They even scratched a nice pile of shavings into the one box to bed in but did not scratch or enter the other box in the coop.

They sleep together inside the brooder too so I don't think it is a temperature thing. They just like to snuggle

 

[ajlynco]

I don't know if it is chicken behavior but it is my chicken's behavior too. This is my first batch and they are 4-5 weeks old. We put them outside in the coop when we had some days over 70 degrees the last week or so and when they were not eating or scratching or pushing each other down the ramp they were all snuggled up together in a nesting box. They even scratched a nice pile of shavings into the one box to bed in but did not scratch or enter the other box in the coop.

They sleep together inside the brooder too so I don't think it is a temperature thing. They just like to snuggle

I'm thinkin' the same thing. During the day they just plop down wherever they wear out at, take a short nap, then up & at em again. Each other is the only thing they know so they probably feel safer huddled together. I put a little 3" high perch in for them last week and I think I'll add another about 6" higher behind the short one. It's amazing how much they grow and develop each day. They really like tomatoes and broccoli, and LOVE cantaloupe! I've got a 14" round dish full of play sand for them to get their grit and dust bathe in. What a hoot!