I’m worried my chicks are getting too cold help help

[Lori J]

My new 2-day old chicks hang out away from the comfort chick brooder. Is this healthy? I’m worried that they will get chilled if they spend hours standing on their food area which is where they like to stand, instead of underneath the Brooder. Any tips? I never had this concern with the heat lamp. Maybe I have the Brooder too low?

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

That is perfectly normal. Whenever they feel cold, they will go under themselves. As long as they are eating and drinking, active, and aren't chirping super loud, I think they will be fine. Enjoy your little fluffballs!

 

[NewBoots]

That young they might not know what to do. Gently push each one under the heat plate. They've probably only seen heat lamps before. The plate is so much safer.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Gently push each one under the heat plate.

x2. It's like introducing them to the waterer, you need to show them what the plate is for. However if after doing so they choose to not sit under it, then that's their choice.

If you're concerned with the height of the plate, best to set it up with one side higher than the other. The lower half should be low enough so they can comfortably lay down underneath, the taller half tall enough that they can stand up and press against it.

 

[Lori J]

That young they might not know what to do. Gently push each one under the heat plate. They've probably only seen heat lamps before. The plate is so much safer.

I just hatched them Yesterday! I have pushed them under there several times but sometimes they come back out and seem to forget where it is. I’m worried I have it to low. It has adjustable legs

 

[Lori J]

x2. It's like introducing them to the waterer, you need to show them what the plate is for. However if after doing so they choose to not sit under it, then that's their choice.

If you're concerned with the height of the plate, best to set it up with one side higher than the other. The lower half should be low enough so they can comfortably lay down underneath, the taller half tall enough that they can stand up and press against it.

Oh my gosh I never thought of that!!! That’s a great idea I will try it

 

[Lori J]

That is perfectly normal. Whenever they feel cold, they will go under themselves. As long as they are eating and drinking, active, and aren't chirping super loud, I think they will be fine. Enjoy your little fluffballs!

They just hatched yesterday I haven’t been able to successfully introduce them to water or food but I have dipped their beaks

 

[rosemarythyme]

They just hatched yesterday I haven’t been able to successfully introduce them to water or food but I have dipped their beaks

They're just on the verge of needing to start eating. I know 2-3 day old chicks scare me a little because it almost seems like they don't get the concept of eating or drinking sometimes. My current chicks drank fine at 2 days old but really didn't touch the feeder until the next day. Before that they were picking up stuff and putting it down, or just swallowing bits of dirt, but not really eating the food. I sprinkled a little on the floor that they were picking at to encourage them to try it out at least.

And as far as a heat plate (or pad), it's normal for them to be in and out of it, especially if your ambient air temperature is on the warmer side. It's still pretty cool where I'm at but my little chicks will disappear under the heat for a while, then pop out for 20, 30 minutes where they eat, drink, play, and then disappear again for a little while.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When I have ordered chicks to be shipped to me, they have been about 3 days old when they arrived, and had nothing to eat or drink in transit. They are surviving off the yolk until I get them. When they arrive, I dip their beaks in warm sugar water but don't offer food for 10-15 minutes so they can drink and get hydrated. Then I dip their beaks in the water again, then in the food, and bingo, they are eating and drinking! So I guess I am saying don't panic if they don't eat or drink the first day or two. They should be okay.

 

[333113]

Once they know where the heat is, your chickies will use it when they need it. Chickies with their mom don't stay under her constantly, even when it's chilly. They go out and explore and eat and drink and socialize with one another. They come running back when they are cold or scared or when mom calls.