Should baby chicks sleep spread out or together?

[johnjacklynch]

If they're sleeping together is the brooder too cold? Or is it fine if it's just for sleeping? They seem to move around the brooder a lot when they're awake. I don't know, just a nervous first timer.

 

[ShannonR]

Are they all smashed against each other under the light, or just keeping each other company? Got a pic?

 

[CannedMonster]

If they move around the whole brooder area when they’re awake I’d say the temp is fine.
They probably just like sleeping close for company.
When they’re cold they just stand around bunched up and don’t explore much.

 

[johnjacklynch]

Ok thanks. Unfortunately, I don't have a pic, but they seem to just be around each other and not bunched up directly under hotspot.

 

[Chickassan]

They'll sleep all kinds of ways, bunched up, spread out just however is comfy to them. They basically sleep like kids do.

 

[Killer Tomato]

If they move around the whole brooder area when they’re awake I’d say the temp is fine.
They probably just like sleeping close for company.
When they’re cold they just stand around bunched up and don’t explore much.

Yes, this.

They look miserable when they are cold, with a sad little peep noise. Not a happy little chirp. You'll soon learn the difference.

Don't be surprised when you see them just plop over in their tracks -- they fall asleep on their feet, and tip right onto their faces. The first time mine did that I was concerned, but it was just a "tired baby".

The first "dust bath" will also look really weird. My chicks did it on day one, in their food bowl, and I thought they were having seizures!

They are funny little creatures.

 

[Chickassan]

She's right, if they aren't happy you'll know! It starts with a sad peep but if you don't fix the problem it will get louder, and louder, and louder! They won't suffer and you not know.

Yes, this.

They look miserable when they are cold, with a sad little peep noise. Not a happy little chirp. You'll soon learn the difference.

Don't be surprised when you see them just plop over in their tracks -- they fall asleep on their feet, and tip right onto their faces. The first time mine did that I was concerned, but it was just a "tired baby".

The first "dust bath" will also look really weird. My chicks did it on day one, in their food bowl, and I thought they were having seizures!

They are funny little creatures.