PLEASE HELP ME-12 week old chicks crying constantly for hours

[mammat]

Our usually happy chicks have been pacing around the pen(in my living room) crying and cheeping for hours. They have food,water are pooping.normal temp in 70-74 in there. Bedding is clean. They are all very active almost as if they are scared or sick or something.I posted earlier about my one silkie with a bobbing head she is only 8 weeks. She is the only one with any symptoms.I dont know what to do. I have tried everything including leaving them alone. Please please post if you have any suggestions as to what I can do for them.

 

[Debi214]

Are you giving them chick grit for digestion?

 

[mammat]

yes- all they eat is one boiled egg per day (between the five of them) and chick feed. I give them chick grit as well. Could they have a belly ache? There crops feel half full and pretty hard almost like a ball down at the bottom of the crop-but they are poopin

 

[ruth]

Hi - I sent you a PM but thought they were 8 weeks old. Now that I see that they are 12 weeks old I'm guessing even more that they are seriously bored. 12 weeks old is way too old to be in a small pen in your living room. I'm guessing that's why they are pacing - they want OUT. I turn my chicks out, in warm weather, at 2-3 weeks old. They then live happily with all the other freeranging 200+ chickens, ducks, peacocks and tons of roosters and I've never lost a chick. They need lots of exercise, fresh air, bugs, grass and room.

 

[BFeathered]

Boredom.... not a happy thing for anyone. I put mine out for the 1st time today, and boy... did they tucker themselves out! Even my constant peeper shut up

I've got 3 3wk olds and 2 5wk olds, and they desperately needed the outside playtime. Give it a try.

 

[mammat]

That must be it. They went out all day the past 3 days but it was cold and pouring rain all day today so they stayed inside. Hopefully they will get tired soon and be quiet. Thanks!

 

[ruth]

Quote:
Yep, if they are used to getting to go outside for a bit each day, they will demand more and more outside time. At 12 weeks old, and in your living room, they do NOT need a light so if you turn off the lights and the room is dark, they will be quiet and go to sleep.

 

[mammat]

You were right-they just wanted out. Sorry I am new at this!

 

[BFeathered]

We were all newbies once, and we all have questions that we've never dealt with, so ask away! Glad your babies are just bored and not really ailing. I had to make a new outdoor playpen for mine since the older girls like to try their wings-- a lot! Go get some sleep now!