First Time Chick owner with questions

[LaurasLorps]

Hi!
After months of reading and researching I finally picked up 4 little australorps yesterday evening from a local farmer (they hatched on Sunday). So far they are all sleeping, eating, drinking and pooping, so I think they are doing okay, but I have just three quick questions.

1. They don't seem to be drinking as much water as I thought they would. I have seen them all drinking some, but is there a way to tell if they are getting enough water? Is there something I can do to help them drink more?

2. When do I need to be concerned about pecking? They have been pecking at each other some...mostly when there is a piece of fuzz or food caught in a chick's fluff or when they all decide they need the exact same food crumble. So far I haven't noticed any one chick doing must of the bullying or any chick being singled out and picked on. I am guessing some pecking is just part of chicken nature, but when do I need to worry about trying to stop the behavior.

3. Is it normal for them to peck at their poop?

I love my chickies already and these comment boards have been a big help. Thanks for all your collective wisdom!

 

[LarryPQ]

Pecking is normal. Make sure they have enough room and they are getting chick starter. Some pecking behaviors are a result of low protien.

Chickens eat poop. Welome to chickens.


You can try putting some electrolytes or a bit of sugar in their water, but for the most part, chicks will drink as much as they need. If one seems weak, cannot stand up, is falling over, or won't wake up, that is another issue. Until you see that, don't worry about it.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Frankly, they are soooo small they cannot drink an awful lot of water, as per volume. Personally, I add nothing to the water. More important it be fresh and clean. Pecking is natural as they tend to groom each other. Agree on having lots of space.

 

[lady feathers]

1. As long as you have seen them each drinking and their poop is not crusting up because it is too hard (there are other reason besides dehydration though).... don't worry they are drinking enough!
2. What your chicks are doing now is normal pecking/curiousity... when you need to "worry" is if your chickens start to draw blood or large patches of feathers begin to show up missing or broken off. If this happens you may need to address some simple issues (check feed and water is plenty and there is alot of room for everyone to access at the same time, boredom -change the set up a bit introduce something new, a toy, a chick block (treat), etc... overcrowding (give them some more space or seperate some into another container if you can't expand you current brooder)
3. Yes, they will peck their poop and any other animals poop on the property.... ours go through the pigs and horses poop for anything that may have gone through undigested.... use this to your advantage and give them access to a compost pile they will keep it churned up for you and add to it for use in your garden.


Congrats on your australorps they are wonderful!

 

[Wildflower_VA]

Giving them a sand box with play sand or contractors sand will give them something to occupy their time (something to peck at; dust bathing) and the grit they get from eating the sand helps prevent pasty butt. They also get prebiotics from the sand. Watching the chicks take dust baths is one of the pleasures of raising baby chicks.

 

[Wildflower_VA]

Another thought just struck me: They hatched on Sunday and it is just now Tuesday. Right before they hatch they absorb the entire yolk and can go three days without eating or drinking at all. That is how hatcheries can ship new hatches across the country without them having any food or water until they get to your door. That your chicks are already eating and drinking some is great news. I think they will pick up drinking and eating as they rest up from breaking out of their shell (that's hard work!) and start to get more active. Soon you will be asking how such tiny little chicks can eat and drink so much!

 

[tammybur]

Hi, I have had chicks now for only 3 weeks and do not know much about them. Do all chicks have yellow feet and legs for can some be different colors like blue/green and of course yellow color. The ones with the blue/green color seem to be eating and drinking fine.

Thank You,

Tammy

 

[Wildflower_VA]

Quote:
Different breeds = different color legs

 

[LaurasLorps]

Thanks for your help everyone! I guess I need to stop worrying so much and just enjoy these sweet fuzzballs. Here there are last night all tuckered out. They are so cute when they sleep!

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[earnhardtlvr]

OMG OMG

So Cute!!