Chicks pecking at each others eyelids

[TwoCrows]

Lol right? I almost used towels too. Then I was afraid they'd somehow knock one down and get stuck under it. Have I mentioned I'm a worrier?

But then I had read about the Press N Seal and figured I'd try it. Glad I did!

Number 1 worry wart here too. My birds have taken 20 years off my life over their lifetime due to me worrying over them.

 

[ChickenChick46]

Number 1 worry wart here too. My birds have taken 20 years off my life over their lifetime due to me worrying over them.

So glad I'm not alone! Thy first tote I used was "not big enough". Despite being like 40 gallons and only having 4, less than week-old bantams in it. Upgraded to a 55 or 60 gallon, very long tote. Yay for more room! But then I didn't like the heat lamp situation. I didn't feel like they had room to cool off because of the angle of the lamp. So we got a brooder plate. Problem solved. But now the new tote is too small because the brooder plate takes up so much room. So off to the neighbor's to borrow a playpen. All within the first 4 days of being a chicken mom . Mind you, during this time, my chicks showed not one sign of stress or displeasure.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I've been putting Glad Press N Seal on top of my brooder plate.

I've used hand towels but wow, what do you do with them after the poop monsters ruin them.

I feel like a cheater with my anti-roost cones for the heat plates. Of course, the chicks love to fling themselves at it and topple back down to the shavings. Accidental enrichment?

 

[ChickenChick46]

I feel like a cheater with my anti-roost cones for the heat plates. Of course, the chicks love to fling themselves at it and topple back down to the shavings. Accidental enrichment?

Lol at least they're entertaining themselves.

 

[jxp]

If these lovely suggestions don't work and they continue showing their evil side at such a young age you could always call for an Exorcist.

 

[Kathy2112]

Update: I tried a larger container, branches to climb around on, dots on paper taped to the side of the container, nothing worked and I was seriously worried about someone losing an eye (and then being devoured). I sent an SOS to local chook owners for a broody hen and a neighbor gave me an experienced and broody hen. I set up a outdoor space, their nest is now in a bear proof bin holder outside my house, and an outdoor tented canopy with fully enclosed chicken wire (hawk and raven proof). The broody hen arrived yesterday evening, I put her in the nest and closed the door, then at 10pm I brought out the chicks and put them under her. She chirred, shuffled, and flattened out a bit and the chicks went completely quiet. I checked in on them at 5:30am and she was poofed out and all of them were sleeping under her. Today everyone is staying in the nest area and they've been under her most of the morning. It's now super warm and she's been chirring at them and leading them to the food bowl. Whew it's been a very busy 24 hours. Meet Mary Poppins, wonderful in every way!