Screamer

[DevKY]

We have 5 babies (2wks roughly) that were given to me by a friend who realized her young daughter wasn't taking proper care of them the next day after she bought them. Since we already have a a few coops outside..one with a couple older hens and the other has six 2 mos olds. So (I hope I'm not going to be judged here) we have the babies in the house, light on them on one side, bought chic starter crumbles, a new feeder, new waterer. They seem to be doing great (I've had them about a week) except one screams LOUDLY ALL THE TIME.. she's eating, drinking, snuggling with the others, sleeping..but when she's up she is LOUD lol. They do let me hold them but they'd rather be on the ground I think. I hope nothing is wrong with this sweet baby. Thanks for the add to this page, I look forward to communicating with you all!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Usually loud means they want... something. Too hot/cold hungry thirsty
How is it pooping? No pasty butt? What's the temp in their brooder?

And welcome to BYC!!

 

[DevKY]

What is pasty butt I keep hearing about? The temp is about 80-85 (I have a plastic storage bin, regular light bulb on one side, feeder, waterer on the other side) I was just reading about a brooder plate? Thanks for replying so quick, we have older hens that usually takes care of her own babies but these were bought and given to me by a lady who got them for her daughter who decided it was too much work, so I told her to bring them to me lol. I'm so nervous though bc the babies are usually safe with momma til they're bigger

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum. Glad you joined. At two weeks old it sounds like you are doing fine with how you have them set up.

When a chick is in distress it gives a certain "distress peep". I would not call it a scream but more of a constant steady plaintive peep. It's so sad you know something is wrong. You may have heard it with our broody raised chicks. I've had chicks trapped where they could not get to Mama use it. Or a brooder-raised chick that did not learn to drink when I dipped its beak or by watching the others drink.

You say it is eating and drinking, that box is checked. Your temperature is fine, check another box. It has the others for company so it's not lonely. Check. If it is acting normal other than that sound maybe it is just loud.

Pasty butt is when poop dries in and on the vent, blocking it. That can kill. There are different opinions as to what can cause that. By two weeks they are usually passed that phase but it's worth checking out. I've only seen that a couple of times with brooder-raised chicks, never with a broody hen. If the vent is blocked I use warm water and a rag to gently remove it. Some people use oil in instead of water. Don't just try to pull it off, you can tear the chick.

 

[DevKY]

Welcome to the forum. Glad you joined. At two weeks old it sounds like you are doing fine with how you have them set up.

When a chick is in distress it gives a certain "distress peep". I would not call it a scream but more of a constant steady plaintive peep. It's so sad you know something is wrong. You may have heard it with our broody raised chicks. I've had chicks trapped where they could not get to Mama use it. Or a brooder-raised chick that did not learn to drink when I dipped its beak or by watching the others drink.

You say it is eating and drinking, that box is checked. Your temperature is fine, check another box. It has the others for company so it's not lonely. Check. If it is acting normal other than that sound maybe it is just loud.

Pasty butt is when poop dries in and on the vent, blocking it. That can kill. There are different opinions as to what can cause that. By two weeks they are usually passed that phase but it's worth checking out. I've only seen that a couple of times with brooder-raised chicks, never with a broody hen. If the vent is blocked I use warm water and a rag to gently remove it. Some people use oil in instead of water. Don't just try to pull it off, you can tear the chick.

Thank you so much, I feel much better after reading your reply!