Single chick

[Lisa38]

OK, so long story short. I have a single chick that hatched under a heat lamp. It's 2 days old and everytime we put him back in the brooder he cheers SO LOUDLY and persistently. He has heat, food and water.... could this just be because he wants attention? Do baby chicks peep constantly?

 

[Tonyroo]

They chirp loudly if conditions aren't right. Use a mirror in the brooder.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's lonely, even chicks are social animals. Do you have more eggs you're hatching? If not, best to pick up a few more chicks from the feed store, or if there's no other options, a small mirror can at least give it the impression that there's other chicks.

 

[Lisa38]

Yeah I put a little mirror in there and he's just sitting in front of it now definitely gonna get him a buddy

 

[Perris]

Do baby chicks peep constantly?

yes, to keep in touch with their hatch mates and broody. As others have said and you intend to act upon, s/he needs company, then the cheeps will change from the distressed loud 'I'm here, where are you?!?' ones to quiet 'I'm right here next to you' ones.

 

[Chicalina]

Loud cheeping also means they are cold. Have you measured the temp under your heat lamp? Does the chick know where to go to get warm?

 

[Fluffy_Moth_With_Silkies]

They cheep constantly, but it might actually be from overheating of some sorts. He needs space to run around outside of the heater, even if it's only a little far away.

 

[akitafriendakita]

You can entertain him by just hanging out with him until you get a buddy for him.

One time I had a chick with the worst pasty butt ever when I picked him up, he was a "bonus free chick" aka sick chick the seller wanted to get rid of. I had to separate him because he was bullied so hard that his whole backside and butt was bald. He was less stressed out if I would just hold him and hang out with him, they do need to socialize a little at that age. Your hand is probably enough to keep him company for now though until you get a buddy!

 

[Chicalina]

They cheep constantly, but it might actually be from overheating of some sorts. He needs space to run around outside of the heater, even if it's only a little far away.

You are right about space to move away from the heat, but to my knowledge overheating tends to make them lie down on their sides quietly as far away from the heat source as they can get and pant open mouthed, trying to cool down.

 

[Lisa38]

Thanks everyone! I got him/her a buddy and they are content.....and adorable