What Is The Average Noise?

[werttyy]

My chicks peep nonstop. Is this normal? The brooder is 80 degrees, there are 5 chicks, each one week or two week old. Prior experience of raising chicks will be very helpful!

 

[N&MSchroeder]

You should be able to tell the difference between contented peeping and the other "I'm uncomfortable" peeping.

They often peep as they move around the brooder when they are exploring. The other kind of peeping is a loud sound of distress.

 

[ModestMouse]

They peep a lot. The other poster is right, there's a distressed peep which actually sounds distressed. Then there's another peep that's more normal, like they're talking.

I would pay most attention to how they behave. If they are huddled together, it means they might be cold, so you might need to adjust the lamp a little lower. If they are scattered all around the outside of the lamp light, it might mean it's too hot under the lamp. I think the optimum temp for new chicks is around 87-90 degrees for the first week, and 5 degrees less each week as they mature. I have to check the guide book - or this site also has a 101 section that's good. Oh, and don't put food and water directly under the lamp. If the heat gets too high, they can overheat while eating or drinking and not realize it. I just keep food an water off to the side a little.

Also, look for sickly or odd acting chicks. Sometimes they get sick for whatever reason. I've removed a few sick chicks, there's not much you can do for them.