chicks......

[shadust1]

i gave my chicks some treats yesterday....everytime a couple of them went over to the container to get a bite one of the other ones would come charging at it and scare it away...lol...is this normal...so then they would all run over into the corner of the coop and just huddle together and step all over each other...then they would climb under each other so they would be closer to the corner...lol...the one that is being the "mother hen" is the one from the beginning that has been a leader...flying out of her brooder everytime i opened the lid...lol....so im guessing its just a leader thing..none of the chicks seem to have any injuries so im not gonna worry about them for now...i think they r comical!!! I LOVE MY BABIES!!!!

 

[white01]

there sure are comical, love watching them

 

[debid]

As long as they sleep cuddled and aren't climbing on top to stay on top and sleep, it's fine. There's a difference between a snuggle fest of chicks and someone wanting their certain place so they step over the others to reach it versus piling where they can smother each other while trying to get warm enough.

And yes, chasing over food is completely normal. They have to work out their pecking order and they start the process very young. Watch and make sure they are all able to eat, though. I have two of the 8-hole round feeders set up for 10 chicks so there are always holes open. You certainly don't want one failing to thrive because she happens to be at the bottom of the order and the dominant chick won't let her eat.

 

[shadust1]

thanks debid...ill make sure i keep my eye on that ...they all sleep together really good...no fighting there....but i will take the food and make sure it is put in the middle of the coop so all 10 holes are being used....thanks for all the help!!!!

 

[Arcnadius]

I love the game of keep away mine play when meal worms are the treat! 8 little babies will chase the one with the worm not realizing that there are more worms in the bowl! When the first one is no longer being chased because the others have finally found the meal worm source, she'll drop her worm to chase the one that has one!

I never expected birds to be this much fun to watch.