Sleeping A LOT- Is This Normal?

[Elleoz]

I just brought my chicks home today from the local feed store and all they have done pretty much is sleep. I've seen them eat a little bit, with many naps in between. Is this normal? Should I wake them up and make them drink some water (I put electrolytes in the water to help them with all the stress)?

 

[Reyvaughn]

Hatching and then shipping is pretty stressful... Sleeping is normal.

 

[CitySilkies88]

I am new to chick ownership myself. The first day I had my chicks (from TS) they slept quite a bit. It wasent until the evening that they really perked up about eating and drinking. Since then they have been super active but they do take tiny and I mean tiny little naps constantly between play/eating time.

 

[jeepguy982001]

they do tend to sleep alot. I've seen mine 1 second eating out of the feeder and the next second head laying in the feeder asleep.

 

[FreedomLover]

I remember when we brought ours home. Just like a typical baby, they do sleep alot when they're young.

I always had to laugh because one minute they'd be running around having a grand old time, then the next they're snoozing away. Then five minutes later, they're running around again. LOL

So yes, it's normal! Enjoy the show!

 

[gardendufus]

This is so funny you posted this cuz I just added 2 Wellies to my 3 week old BR's and BA's. When I brought the 3 week olds home (uh 3 weeks ago) they also slept a LOT, eat, play, sleep, eat, play, fall over like they were dead and sleep some more.

When I added my just arrived at the feedstore Wellies to the brooder today, I timed it, they ATE for a solid hour and fifteen minutes. When they finally bedded down about an hour ago I had not seen them take one nap, and I sat there and watched them for 3 solid hours.

Good luck with your babies! And

Well, I see you've been a lurking member for quite some time, but welcome anyway.

 

[Fierlin1182]

I remember my chicks sleeping a lot too. I guess they need a lot of rest after going through such a long journey. We walked home with the first chicks in a box (a two hours walk) and they slept the entire way. When they got home, I practically had to pinch them awake to introduce them to the water and food. As long as they know where the water is, they'll get up and drink when they need it.

 

[Elleoz]

Just wanted to update...

I finally got them interested in the water and they perked up quite a bit. Today they are much more alert and running around and playing a bit. I just want to play with them all day

 

[Fierlin1182]

Good to hear they're doing well!
At first it was like that for me too. Enjoy them while they still want to play!