Am I correct in estimating that chicks that are huddling together for warmth will tend to be tightly clustered, and if they are close but with space between them -maybe a head resting on another chick, but not full body contact-that is social huddling? Any other differentiating characteristics? Jerry
That would be correct. Warmth huddling and they are basically crushing each other trying to keep warm. Needing warmth they all try to occupy the same space and are likely to be loud, peeping. Here is a pic of normal social/sleeping huddling: These chicks aren't cold at all. They are peacefully sleeping.