new chick questions

[onesweetfarm]

I had 12 chicks arrive happy and healthy yesterday. This morning I noticed that 5 of them had poop matted into the fuzz on their butts. I assumed this was pasting up and gently took a warm moist paper towel to each behind. I can see the vents and they are clear now but the fuzz has dried somewhat crusty. Is this going to create a problem for them? I have been checking them every hour to make sure the vents are clear and so far so good.

My other question. These chicks are very active. They zoom back and forth across the brooder, eat, and drink just fine. It seems like this energy lasts 10-15 minutes and then they all huddle up under the heater and take a nap. Is this normal chick behavior? I haven't had chicks in over 12 years and I don't remember. I think this is normal because it is what any baby does.

Thanks

 

[hennyannie]

Sounds like you have healthy chicks to me! As far as the bottoms go as long as the vent is kept clear they should be okay.

 

[TheSitcomGirls]

Perfectly normal...they just crash when they are tired. Just like a puppy! Mine doze off standing up too...that's really cute!

 

[Yoko]

The dried fuzz isn't a problem, and chicks take naps regularly. They sound like happy little chickies to me!

 

[onesweetfarm]

Thanks. I have been checking on them all day, it is now 9:45 and vents are still clean. Who knew I would be so worried over the little ones. They all seem to be doing the same chickie routine. They do doze off standing up, they also stretch right out when they lay down. I am expecting 4 ameraucanas next week, can I put them in with the others when they arrive? The 12 I have now are 2 days old.

<--- this is what these chicks have turned me into! lol

 

[hennyannie]

That will be fine to add some chicks to the little ones you have. I added chicks every week for three weeks this year and they still did great.