Weird chick sleeping?

[Skipper81]

She looks healthy I think your over thinking it

 

[Dunwoody-Jen]

She looks healthy I think your over thinking it

Entirely possible. I was that mom with the well worn copy of “What to Expect when you’re Expecting” book.

 

[aart]

Entirely possible. I was that mom with the well worn copy of “What to Expect when you’re Expecting” book.

Agrees with the overthinking it.
Fine to keep detailed records but don't over-react to just the weight if everything else looks good(eating/drinking/pooping/mobility).
Was she may be preening with her head in her back?
New skill, so over used?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So an hour later I find Lil lying down snuggling with the others! She still seems pretty lethargic although I’m going to try to post a video of her eating with her siblings. Her crop felt rock hard and large when I held her a little while ago. I massaged it and she went right back to eating. 4 days ago I gave all the chicks a few sprigs of chickweed from my chemical free garden before I realized they were too young for greens. They’ve had grit since day one. Lil’s poop was small, solid and had white urates.

Eating and drinking but not gaining weight

I agree, you are probably overthinking it.
Weighing them is fine, but chicks eat a lot and if they have light 24/7, then crop fill alone can make a difference in weight.

The should be no problem offering a few sprigs of chickweed to your chicks, they have a source of grit.

 

[aart]

Weighing them is fine, but chicks eat a lot and if they have light 24/7, then crop fill alone can make a difference in weight.

Never thought of this, great point.

 

[Dunwoody-Jen]

I agree, you are probably overthinking it.
Weighing them is fine, but chicks eat a lot and if they have light 24/7, then crop fill alone can make a difference in weight.

The should be no problem offering a few sprigs of chickweed to your chicks, they have a source of grit.

Good to know! They were crazy for the chickweed, ran around with it in their mouth like they were playing “keep away”. It was highly entertaining.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Never thought of this, great point.

I think it would make a difference when we are talking ounces or even grams. Probably the most accurate way to get consistent weight counts would be first thing in the morning when crop is empty. It would be tricky with chicks brooded under a light since they are like little piggies, filling up at all hours.
They love to party about 2am if you have them under a light

Good to know! They were crazy for the chickweed, ran around with it in their mouth like they were playing “keep away”. It was highly entertaining.

LOL It is entertaining! Chicken TV
I'm in the camp of giving chicks grit first thing. Any yes, gasp/shock! I give "treats" too.
Not that they really consume much, it more exploration/tasting. Chickweed is great, a plug of sod, 1 finely cut up grape, 1 slice of cucumber, etc. - you get the idea. They may really get enthusiastic over their "treat" or scream and hide LOL I always got tickled at my little Leghorn, she would circle new treats like a dog does a snake, peck at it and jump back, finally she stand up really tall and chatter her head off. Once she decided it was o.k. the others would come out Loved watching that.

Enjoy your babies, they grow so fast. You are not doing anything wrong by being concerned about sleeping, eating, pooping or anything else. Observing their behavior and getting to know each one - sometimes you can catch things early.

 

[Dunwoody-Jen]

Thanks so much. I love this group- great advice!