New chicks and I'm kind of freaking out...

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It's 46 degrees here in Okla and that is a little cooler than it has been. The brooder is in our garage so hopefully, it isn't too chilly out there for them. They have been out and active this morning. The last I looked, they had gone back under the heat plate after eating and drinking a bit. They were chirping up a storm when I took my son to school earlier. They seem to be happy! Thank goodness. I will check into getting the Nutri-Drench when I get out and about later. Thank you so much for the advice!
 
I'm such a worry wart. Another question.. are they smart enough at this age to get back under the heating pad when they come out and get a little ways away from it? I went out there and noticed them in the corner beside the pad all huddled up, so I moved them in front of it so they could go back under and they did. I don't know if it was for warmth or if they were scared. I have to leave to go to class and I'll be gone a couple of hours and I'll be worried about the little fluff butts the whole time I'm gone.
 
LindseyC said:
I'm such a worry wart. Another question.. are they smart enough at this age to get back under the heating pad when they come out and get a little ways away from it? I went out there and noticed them in the corner beside the pad all huddled up, so I moved them in front of it so they could go back under and they did. I don't know if it was for warmth or if they were scared. I have to leave to go to class and I'll be gone a couple of hours and I'll be worried about the little fluff butts the whole time I'm gone.
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If they used the plate or pad last night, then they should recognize it by now if they need heat. If they are huddling on the outside beside the pad/plate, then it may be too warm - you might need to adjust the height of your pad or adjust the temperature. The rule of thumb is 90-95F the first week, then drop by 5degrees each week, but I've found that behavior is much more accurate.
 
When we first got baby chicks. I used a cardboard box, paper towels and a lamp. Had food and water available. I stuck their beaks in the water and food and let them do whatever.

I did take them out a lot to hold them. As a result, they would pull at our pant legs to get special treats once they got older. They would knock on the back door and when you opened the door they just came inside and hung out until they were ready to leave.
 
I have had to do a bit of training with chicks. Occasionally, there will be one who is a slow learner. And he may confuse the others. One spring, I had a new brood of chicks. I had just refilled the waterer, and used tepid water. They all came running to eat and drink, then wandered behind the waterer and settled behind it. Of course, they then got cold, and started yelling. I had to shoo them back under MHP. So, it's like raising any baby: there is a learning curve.
 
Chickens are so smart. Seriously.
Especially if you have a few they'll know where to get the food, where to get the water, and how to stay warm.
I always used to think chickens weren't so clever then we acquired a couple of roosters and holy cow did I learn quite a bit.
Cute birds!
 

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