How active should 1-week/younger old chicks be?

[AnKa]

Somehow whenever I go to check on my chicks they sit and rest. The sit near, but not under the lamp. The temperature in there seems constant and correct (I used a thermometer at the outside of their brooder and it's 94 degrees, so it's likely 98 under the lamp.
When I startle them, they do get up and eat and drink. Their eyes seem shiny and normal. Is it normal that they rest so much?

Also, how runny is okay for poops, and what's cause for concern? I have learned about those 'melted chocolate' poops, and do see those but my youngest chick has some more watery 'normal' ones.

Gosh, none of the books tell you these things. LOL. I am so stressed out over them, it's worse than having human babies!

 

[Chef]

Don't stress all that you are describing is "NORMAL". They sleep all the time when they are that young and they will lay anywhere they feel is most comfy. You will soon see that they will be up and running around within a week. Good luck on the babies. Post us some pics we love to see!


Chef

 

[MandyH]

They should be up scratching, pecking and chirping. Sounds like they might be cold. Are they in a draft free place? You can lower the heat lamp, or put a little larger bulb in there.

 

[RendonRoo]

I have had my first chicks about 3 weeks now and i was also concerned at first. I found that in the first week they seem to be on a 15 minute cycle. They eat for 5, run around for 5, then fall over like they died and sleep for 5. Then they get up and start over. Just like human babies they require lots of sleep at first and will sleep less as they get older. Good Luck and welcome to BYC

 

[crazyhen]

some chicks will be more active than others. I have had one set of buffs from a hatchery that were a bit more active than the ones I have now. So I would say it was the chicks themselves. If they are sort of spread out they are not cold. Jean

 

[AnKa]

I think they may have been too hot. I am trying slightly less heat and they got up and ate for a bit, then laid down closer to the lamp ....

 

[NancyDz]

In a couple weeks, you'll be wishing they slept more and poop less! Enjoy it!

Nancy

 

[AnKa]

Update: Chicks are doing much better. It was indeed too hot. I raised the heat lamp a bit and they're out and about now. Thanks!