What do chicks do once they hatch?

[ScotianChick]

My chick who hatched around 2.5 hours ago is still fluffing up, not dry yet and is walking around in a very wobbly manner. It's also trying to peck chips of egg shell. It walks, wobbles and falls a lot. Is this what they usually do? Haha I haven't done this before.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Yeah, they're often wobbly for a while. They roam around, sleep, and peck at things normally. If it's still wobbly in a day or two I'd worry, in the meantime that's perfectly normal. Hatching is hard work, and then you've got to try and use your legs that you've never used before--of course it's a little wobbly for a bit!

 

[jbowyer01]

Pretty much yes thats what they do and they peep a lot. Once dry and fuzzy you can put him in a brooder but if you have others just zipping also i'd wait till its over.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Usually. It is amazing how fast they go from wet helpless things to playing vigorous rugby with the unhatched eggs.

There is always the possibility that something is wrong, but from what you have described, I would not worry. It pecking a the egg chips is probably a good sign. Enjoy the adventure.

 

[ScotianChick]

Thanks guys! I really needed to stop watching it for a little while. I had 8 eggs, one hatched quite spectacularly, one pipped a hole in the egg but not the membrane it seems and hasn't done anything since. There is no movement from the others.

 

[GeneJordan]

sigh.... can't wait till I have wobbly peeps...

 

[wannabchick]

Usually by the next day they are vigorous little beings
Yep all sounds all normal to me
Xoo

 

[1shelby1]

So how long do you wait before putting them in the brooder?Or should I wait and try to put them under a silkie hen?I just have one that is out and fluffed from this afternoon.Do I need to feed/water before tomorow?
thanks!