Loud Chirping?

[CountryHeart06]

So I have 6 - 3 week old chicks and every now and then one will chirp just once pretty loudly and repeat every 20 seconds or so. It's like she's calling me or something because it seems like if I peek in on them they all look up at me, I walk away and that's that. I'm very interested in learning all about their behaviors and there doesn't seem to be a place on the learning forum for that. Can anyone direct me to the right place to learn about chicken behavior? Thanks so much!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

That is their "lost" call. They feel like they lost a buddy and are calling him.


Another reason they chirp loudly at that age is if they are cold. If nothing has changed in the brooder, they probably feel lost.

 

[CountryHeart06]

That is so sad!

Is there anything I can do to help? I have put in a few toys but maybe it's time to rotate?

 

[PrairieChickens]

Just keep doing what you're doing. When you peek in, they get quiet, right? That means that you're the "buddy" they're missing and they want to make sure you're still near. In nature, chicks make that sound to let the broody mama know they've become separated and need to be found by her.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Just keep doing what you're doing. When you peek in, they get quiet, right? That means that you're the "buddy" they're missing and they want to make sure you're still near. In nature, chicks make that sound to let the broody mama know they've become separated and need to be found by her.

x2

 

[CountryHeart06]

Ok, great! Will do! Thanks for the help!

 

[estamets]

Thank you for this thread! I assumed that's what my little girl was doing: she stopped chirping the first time when I peeked in. The second time, she didn't stop until I picked her up for a little while.

I think these little guys are genetically programmed to find the fastest way into your heart.