Normal behavior? 4 week old chicks

[alamogirl]

Hi BYCers! I just got 2 new chicks today and I have tons of questions.

The 2 chicks are about 4 weeks old and they had never been out of their cardboard box in the basement. And I don't think handled much.

They are in the empty coop right now (cause it's dang hot--I figured it would be warm enough) but they are just like statues. I haven't seen them eat or drink, and they just seem to sleep.

Questions:
1. Is that normal? They don't seem to be acting like chicks. You know, all hyper and crazy.

2. Is it ok to introduce them to my 6 week old chicks (i have 2 of those)? Size-wise the 6 weekers are way bigger. Is this going to be a problem?

3. Or do I need to quarantine them for 30 days and keep them separate? They will be separate at night anyway since I will put the chicks back in the house at night. But I don't want to create any risks.

4. These chicks seem so much smaller and bony-er than my other ones. Is that just difference in breeds? (One is a cross between an ameracauna and isa brown and the other one is isa brown + something. Whatever that makes them. My others are white leghorns)

Thank you so much for your help. I love this forum! And here's a pic for good measure.

 

[elmo]

What was the difference in temperature between what they were used to in the basement to what the temperature is in the coop? You want to avoid drastic shifts, and allow gradual acclimatization.

If they're not eating and drinking, I'd be very concerned.

 

[BantyRooster]

Do you have a light on in the new area? It's normal for them to be out of sorts in a new area for a little bit. How long since you let them out of their box?

I wouldn't let them in with the new chicks. Keep them seperate for now. Keep an eye on them and let them get used to being out of the box and in a new area. Do you have a new waterer- something different than what they were drinking from before? Try to dip their beaks. They should start to mover around more as they get used to the new area.

Keep us posted.

 

[Anon19]

They do look a tad skinny, keep a careful eye on them, and handle them a bit more. They might just be frightened, and cautious of their new surroundings. I wouldnt introduce them to the 6 week old chicks just yet, until they are old enough.