Help with 4 wk old chicks

[mooseb]

We have nine girls who have made it to four weeks so far without any problems at all. Today I have one who is nestled down into the bedding under the heating plate covered herself up with dust and stuff. The problem is when I put her out from under the heating plate she does the same thing and the other chickens come over and pick at her. She is still eating and pooping and peeing. Any advice on what's going on and what I should do? Thank you.

 

[CascadiaRiver]

Could it be early broody behavior or a dust bath?

 

[junebuggena]

We have nine girls who have made it to four weeks so far without any problems at all. Today I have one who is nestled down into the bedding under the heating plate covered herself up with dust and stuff. The problem is when I put her out from under the heating plate she does the same thing and the other chickens come over and pick at her. She is still eating and pooping and peeing. Any advice on what's going on and what I should do? Thank you.

Dust bathing, it's completely normal.

 

[junebuggena]

Could it be early broody behavior or a dust bath?

A 4 week old chick is not physically able to go broody...

 

[mooseb]

I guess I was concerned because the other girls come over and peck at her when she does it. Is that normal too?

 

[junebuggena]

Yep. All normal.

 

[mooseb]

Thank you everybody! It's so wonderful to have this board.

 

[AuntJamie]

Phew! Now you can enjoy watching the dust bathing process. I think it's cute, myself.