Standing with wings out/eyes closed

[Mama2BoysandBirds]

We received our chicks two days ago. They are all eating and drinking. They are in a large Tarter bin with a brooding lamp on one side. I am noticing my Silkie and white sultans standing with their wings slightly out and eyes closed. When touched they react right away.

I had read that this was a sign of distress. Is this true? What can I do. I raised the warming light a little higher in case they were over heating. Any advice for this worried silkie mom

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

They are probably sleeping. Chicks fall asleep in all sorts of incredible positions, including standing up. It's all part of their routine.

 

[Mama2BoysandBirds]

They are probably sleeping. Chicks fall asleep in all sorts of incredible positions, including standing up. It's all part of their routine.

So you don't think they are in distress or anything. They are eating and drinking fine, so that makes me feel like they are ok

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

Yup. They are just taking a nap while standing. Chicks have a weird sleep schedule. They run around for two minutes and then fall asleep wherever they are standing/sitting for a couple minutes. As long as they wake up a few minutes after, they are just taking a power nap!

 

[Mama2BoysandBirds]

Yup. They are just taking a nap while standing. Chicks have a weird sleep schedule. They run around for two minutes and then fall asleep wherever they are standing/sitting for a couple minutes. As long as they wake up a few minutes after, they are just taking a power nap!

I want to socialize them and makes them friendly and to enjoy being petted. Growing up my dad always told us not to touch a baby chick because it can make them sick. Is this accurate or was he just not wanting me holding chickens all day I know they are fragile but we really want to love on them .

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

I want to socialize them and makes them friendly and to enjoy being petted. Growing up my dad always told us not to touch a baby chick because it can make them sick. Is this accurate or was he just not wanting me holding chickens all day I know they are fragile but we really want to love on them .

As long as you don't let them get cold they'll be fine, wash your hands before you hold them if you want to be cautious. Just be gentle with them and enjoy them. It's a guarantee you'll get pooped on. Wash your hands after handling them, you don't want to end up with salmonella or anything. Otherwise, enjoy your fluffy butts!

 

[Mama2BoysandBirds]

As long as you don't let them get cold they'll be fine, wash your hands before you hold them if you want to be cautious. Just be gentle with them and enjoy them. It's a guarantee you'll get pooped on. Wash your hands after handling them, you don't want to end up with salmonella or anything. Otherwise, enjoy your fluffy butts!

Haha, yes the poop has definitely happened to all members of the family now. Thank you for the tips!

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

No problem! BYC is a great place for anything poultry related and super helpful!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

We received our chicks two days ago. They are all eating and drinking. They are in a large Tarter bin with a brooding lamp on one side. I am noticing my Silkie and white sultans standing with their wings slightly out and eyes closed. When touched they react right away.

I had read that this was a sign of distress. Is this true? What can I do. I raised the warming light a little higher in case they were over heating. Any advice for this worried silkie mom

So you don't think they are in distress or anything. They are eating and drinking fine, so that makes me feel like they are ok

Can you post some photos of your brooder and the chicks?
What's the temperature in your brooder?

 

[aart]

Can you post some photos of your brooder and the chicks?
What's the temperature in your brooder?

Yes, this^^^ info please @Mama2BoysandBirds .
Sounds like overheating to me.