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Incessant Peeping - reasons?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by Jlessl, Sep 25, 2008.

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  1. Sep 25, 2008 #1
    Jlessl

    Jlessl In the Brooder

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    I recently acquired a 4wk bantam cochin hen, and she cheeps all day long! We keep her inside at night, and once we turn the lights out, she calms down. During the day, we keep her in a small cage next to the coop so that my 2-10wk orpington pullets can get acclimated. The bantam just peeps and peeps and peeps all day, when I go to check on her, she flies right at me and tries to climb up on my shoulder. If I let her do this, she still doesn't stop cheeping. I just feel bad because my first assumption is that she is scared and it is my desire to make it better. Any suggestions (or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I want all my hens to be happy! Thanks
     
  2. Sep 25, 2008 #2
    Katy

    Katy Flock Mistress

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    Get her a friend. Chickens are flock birds. They don't like being alone.

    Also, is she cold?
     
  3. Sep 25, 2008 #3
    Jlessl

    Jlessl In the Brooder

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    Sep 6, 2008
    Gainesville, Florida
    Won't she flock with the orpingtons when she gets older? I live in Florida, she I don't think cold is an issue, and I take her inside at dusk. Sorry, I am very new to this.
     
  4. Sep 25, 2008 #4
    Katy

    Katy Flock Mistress

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    Another chick in the cage with her would probably help. They may hang together when they're grown or they may not. My chickens seem to have cliques that start when they're chicks and raised together as groups.
     
  5. Sep 25, 2008 #5
    vfem

    vfem Yoga...The Chicken Pose

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    They are exceptionally lonely as chicks. They peep as a call for company. I had 2 chicks together, and when I took one out to bath and let my daughter hold the other would peep constantly until I got them back together. Seperation anxiety! [​IMG]

    Honestly, he/she needs a buddy. Try a small stuffed animal in with her/him if you just can't find her a friend for now.
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2008
  6. Sep 25, 2008 #6
    tvtaber

    tvtaber Songster

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    Is she cold maybe?
     
  7. Sep 25, 2008 #7
    Jlessl

    Jlessl In the Brooder

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    Sep 6, 2008
    Gainesville, Florida
    Yes, in retrospect, I should have made an attempt to acquire 2, but she was the only one available in the area at the time. As far as the cold is concerned, it was 85 here yesterday, so I am thinking that cold isn't the issue? I will try the stuffed animal and keep an eye out for a companion.

    thanks
     
  8. Sep 25, 2008 #8
    gritsar

    gritsar Cows, Chooks & Impys - OH MY!

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    A stuffed animal or a hand mirror in with her until she can be added to the flock.
     
  9. Sep 25, 2008 #9
    KellyHM

    KellyHM Crowing

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    Lakeland, FL
    I have a 6-wk old out in the coop that does that too...she's with another chick and her mama, so I don't know what the deal is.
     
  10. Sep 25, 2008 #10
    debilorrah

    debilorrah The Great Guru of Yap Premium Member

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    Your lil chick is lonely and wants to cuddle with other chicks, especially at night time. I have 6 in their brooder and they make a big ol' pile of chicks at night. I think if you have another one in there with her, she will stop.
     
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