Newbie here! Baby chick behavior?

[floof_of_smoof]

These are my first chicks. They are black australorps. I have found it hard to trust my brinsea radiant brooder since I can't use a thermometer with it. I was thinking I can monitor their behavior to make sure they're warm enough. Well... every time I check on them, they're under the brooder, but not clustered or chirping loudly from distress like they were when I first picked them up (just this morning!). Then, if I tap on the food like a mommy bird pecking, they all come running out and eat and drink and try to snuggle under my hand or walk around. While I'm there, they act like they're not too cold. But as soon as I leave, they go right back under the brooder. What's up? Are they just scared to be out when I'm not there? Or could they be too cold?

 

[Oncoming Storm]

They might be a bit cold. Try moving the heat a tad closer, but not too much or they’ll start panting. It’s a trial and error process.

 

[Mellowmalt]

I agree trial and error but it sounds ok to me. Also different breeds will behave differently to what you read other people's chicks doing. I wouldn't worry, aslong as they are resting every now and then they should be fine.

You can always try increasing temps but it sounds fine to me. They are not too cold but they do rely on the heat so will get too cold if they stay away from it for too loong

 

[floof_of_smoof]

Thanks y'all! I stuffed a towel behind the brooder to block off one side and give them something to snuggle, and partially covered the brooder overnight. They all woke up and came running out for food when I turned on the light this morning.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

These are my first chicks. They are black australorps. I have found it hard to trust my brinsea radiant brooder since I can't use a thermometer with it. I was thinking I can monitor their behavior to make sure they're warm enough. Well... every time I check on them, they're under the brooder, but not clustered or chirping loudly from distress like they were when I first picked them up (just this morning!). Then, if I tap on the food like a mommy bird pecking, they all come running out and eat and drink and try to snuggle under my hand or walk around. While I'm there, they act like they're not too cold. But as soon as I leave, they go right back under the brooder. What's up? Are they just scared to be out when I'm not there? Or could they be too cold?

How are your chicks doing these days??