Endless Chirping

[TamiP]

I was so happy and relieved to find this thread! My Ayam Cemani shipped eggs hatched 5 days ago and I seem to have 5 very healthy chicks. This isn't my first batch but I am still a newbie. Whenever I have heard loud chirping I immediately go check and try to figure out what is causing distress. I have THAT 1 CHICK who has to chirp at the top of his/her lungs NONSTOP! Yesterday I was so ready to strangle it's fuzzy little neck that hubby helped move them to a different room for my sanity. The chirping hasn't stopped even for a little while. Four of the chicks are content and behaving normally but that 1 is making life unpleasant for my whole household.
I have tried everything I know to do but today we will be putting on the sound machine and trying some different music. Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[Battlepants]

I was so happy and relieved to find this thread! My Ayam Cemani shipped eggs hatched 5 days ago and I seem to have 5 very healthy chicks. This isn't my first batch but I am still a newbie. Whenever I have heard loud chirping I immediately go check and try to figure out what is causing distress. I have THAT 1 CHICK who has to chirp at the top of his/her lungs NONSTOP! Yesterday I was so ready to strangle it's fuzzy little neck that hubby helped move them to a different room for my sanity. The chirping hasn't stopped even for a little while. Four of the chicks are content and behaving normally but that 1 is making life unpleasant for my whole household.
I have tried everything I know to do but today we will be putting on the sound machine and trying some different music. Thank you for the suggestion!

So, I know that some people had success with putting on music for their chicks. It might also be worth reviewing other aspects of these chicks lives to see if something else is missing.

For example:
Does your brooder have:
-a hot area to warm up?
-a cool area to get away from the heat?
-easily accessible food in the cool area?
-easily accessible water in the cool area?
-enough room for everyone to move around, while limiting room so they can't accidentally lose the hot area?
-bedding that is non-slick and non-soiled?
(feel free to post pictures of the brooder setup and we will gladly review)

For the chick in question:
-is this chick being allowed into the warm area, food and water by the other chicks?
-is this chick eating, drinking and pooping?
-does this chick calm down when being held by the person?
-perform a visual inspection of the chick - anything out of the ordinary with the eyes, beak or vent?
(feel free to post pictures of the chick and we will gladly review)

 

[TamiP]

So, I know that some people had success with putting on music for their chicks. It might also be worth reviewing other aspects of these chicks lives to see if something else is missing.

For example:
Does your brooder have:
-a hot area to warm up?
-a cool area to get away from the heat?
-easily accessible food in the cool area?
-easily accessible water in the cool area?
-enough room for everyone to move around, while limiting room so they can't accidentally lose the hot area?
-bedding that is non-slick and non-soiled?
(feel free to post pictures of the brooder setup and we will gladly review)

For the chick in question:
-is this chick being allowed into the warm area, food and water by the other chicks?
-is this chick eating, drinking and pooping?
-does this chick calm down when being held by the person?
-perform a visual inspection of the chick - anything out of the ordinary with the eyes, beak or vent?
(feel free to post pictures of the chick and we will gladly review)

All of those things were gone through while trying to figure out why he/she was so consistently vocal especially the physical aspects because all other chicks are relaxed and chill. There is absolutely nothing physically wrong with he/she that I can see and I've been all over it.
I put music on as soon as I read the suggestion and it's been quiet since with just the little chirpy talking periodically.

 

[Sylie]

The music does the trick most of the time. I'm glad that you found the solution. This particular chick is just very vocal and possibly will continue to be for it's entire life. It won't be so bad when they are old enough and feathered enough to go outside. Sometimes one or more chicks will just be insecure because they have no Momma. When they are scared or lonely, they look to Momma, cuddle under her feathers etc, that's natural instinct, when there is no momma, they aren't sure what to do so they call for her. I know they have never had a momma but the instinct is still there. He/she will adjust to life with it's siblings as surrogates in time. My chicks are are almost 13 weeks old and once in awhile, that ONE chick will freak out and start screaming bloody murder, music will calm her down every time. Good luck and you are doing great! Patience and asking questions here is the best thing you can do.

 

[Sylie]

Oh, I forgot, I have also seen people use a natural feather duster as a surrogate momma, the scared chick will go inside the duster like it would it's momma. Just a thought!

 

[TamiP]

Oh, I forgot, I have also seen people use a natural feather duster as a surrogate momma, the scared chick will go inside the duster like it would it's momma. Just a thought!

Oh my gosh! I have one. I'll put it in there now. Thank you for the reminder.