Francolins advice needed!

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Im not sure if this is the right category but I have just hatched some black Francolin eggs that were gifted to my other half. They were incubated by my broody bantam hen and I've now moved them to a brooder to hand raise them (partly to ensure they are more tame and partly because I know game birds should not live closely with chickens).

Anyway I know very little about these birds and am concerned I am not meeting their needs somehow! I have four little ones under a heat plate but they have spent all day coming out from under it and chirping loudly. They are only quiet when picked up, and only then for a few seconds before they get wriggly and chirp again.

Is this just neediness or do they need more heat than chicken chicks and the heat plate isn't warm enough?

Also, they haven't eaten or drank anything yet but I'm assuming they have a similar system as chickens whereby their yolk sustains them for a couple of days? They have high protein quail chick crumbs and I've been showing them the food and water.

Anyone with experience, all tips welcome please!

 

[ColtHandorf]

@007Sean and possibly @Pyxis will have the best knowledge for you. I wouldn't count on them eating and drinking of their own volition. They usually need to be shown. What is the temperature reading for the area where they are being housed currently? It may be too cool.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Thanks for the reply. I've just tested the temperature at floor level under the heat plate ( which is set to just above the height of their backs when they are standing as per the instructions) . It's 94F.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

It's after sunset where I am and they are still chirping downstairs in the dark.

 

[007Sean]

@ColtHandorf is correct, they need to be shown the feed and water. The temp is about right but I don't trust the heat plates, a lot of peeps report problems with the units and keeping the chicks warm. I'm 'old school', I use heat lamps.
In the wild, the parent birds show the chicks how to forage for food and water, in confined conditions (aviaries) you're going to have to teach them how to find the food and water. Tapping at the food will help them to find the food, also putting paper towels down and sprinkling the food all over the towels will help, wherever they peck, they will get some food. Dunking their beaks in the waterer will help them to figure out that this is where water is....sometimes they 'catch on' quick, othertimes not so much.
Usually, when they are being vocal, something is wrong, either too hot or too cold or looking for companionship.
If you don't have any Nutri-Drench, I would highly recommend getting some and put that in their water. It helps provide minerals and vitamins quickly and easily to chicks, especially if you have any chicks that are 'weakly' acting. I add it to all my chicks water for about a week after hatching, after that they get just plain water.
You might try putting a night light in the brooder. It might help 'calm' them down. HTH

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

Thanks @007Sean!
They seem to be doing OK today. I think they were just a bit lonely last night night but they settled down eventually.
I've seen them all drinking the water and there are a couple of solid poops in the brooder so I know at least a couple of them are eating.
I have paper towels on the floor of the brooder and have sprinkled their food over it and keep 'showing them' the food whenever I get the chance.

 

[007Sean]

Thanks @007Sean!
They seem to be doing OK today. I think they were just a bit lonely last night night but they settled down eventually.
I've seen them all drinking the water and there are a couple of solid poops in the brooder so I know at least a couple of them are eating.
I have paper towels on the floor of the brooder and have sprinkled their food over it and keep 'showing them' the food whenever I get the chance.

I also have a regular feeder in the brooder, not just the feed sprinkled on the paper towels.