How active should they be?

[flmom2boys]

I have been perusing these boards for months and have learned so much! We finally took the plunge, but...

Yesterday I purchased 4 black sexlinks that were just delivered as day-old chicks to the feed store at noon. They were peeping and quite active all afternoon and evening, eating/drinking/pooping a bunch, then settled down and slept. This morning they don't seem very active at all. Mostly just laying around.

I've seen them eat a bit, but I'm just surprised they're not peeping and eating/drinking much now. I have a light and they do seem to be snuggling under it. The feeder/waterer took up more space than I thought, so I'm going to get a bigger box to be my brooder today.

So, my questions are:
Should they be more active? If so, what can I look for as signs of any problems that are causing them to be so calm/quiet?

My husband says I'm overreacting - just being a mother hen LOL

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[natalie1136]

Baby chicks sleep alot. If they are bunched up under the light they may be a little cool. This is just my opinoin but i would wait a little while to see if they perk up.

 

[flmom2boys]

Thanks for answering so quickly...I'll keep watching them.

 

[Felicitas]

Quote:
I agree with this. My chicks are much more active now, at a little over a week old, than they were the first few days after they hatched. Adjust the light a little more downward and watch their behavior. If they are sleeping side-by-side, it's a good thing. If they are piling up on each other to sleep, they're probably too cold.

 

[Griffox]

You can also add a little sugar to their water, though I prefer the electrolyte/vitamin powder for poultry.

When you pick them up are they limp? or do they scatter and CHEEP! Cheep!

Limp chick, I would worry, otherwise they're probably just recharging so they can start driving you nuts.

 

[flmom2boys]

They are active when I try to pick them up and they do start cheeping. I've been gone for a few hours (couldn't be avoided), and wondered what I'd find when I got home. They all seem to be fine.

They sleep side-by-side, not on top of each other, so I guess everything's good

We're getting ready to move them to a bigger "house" right now.

 

[TXmom]

I'm glad they are doing well

And thanks for asking...I love reading all the questions and answers. I know I will have so many questions when I get mine!

 

[futurefarmer08]

Yeah when mine first hatched and subsequent days I was so worried! I would go in there and was sure that they were dead because of the awkward position that they were laying in. As soon as they realized I was there though they started cheeping. I think for the first few days their neck muscles aren't that strong and they do sleep a lot. Your's seem fine! I was a nervous mama chicken too.

I am glad they are doing well. Everyone on this site kept me sane.

 

[momofdrew]

The trauma of birth and being shipped off to a store and then brought to someplace else I'd be tired too...keep them warm fed and watered and they should be fine... by the way

 

[flmom2boys]

Thanks for the welcome! Today they are 4 days old, and I can't believe how I can see their growth almost daily! They are so cute! One keeps trying to fly. I guess I'll need to put a perch in at some point.