Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

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CoopBuilder
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Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by CoopBuilder »

Im raising my first batch of chicks and have six little ones, all about four days old. Five seem happy and active, but one chick constantly peeps. It eats, drinks, poops, and interacts with the others, so I dont see any obvious signs of distress.

The peeping stops when I enter the room, and the chick tries to burrow under my hand when I offer feed. Could it just be seeking attention?

The brooder temperature was 90F, but I lowered it slightly after noticing one watery poop, thinking it might be heat stress. Since then, I haven't seen more watery droppings. They are on medicated chick starter, and I use a ceramic heat emitter at night and a dimmable heat bulb during the day.

Should I be concerned about the peeping, or is this normal behavior? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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FowlPlayMaster
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by FowlPlayMaster »

Some chicks are more social and will peep if they don't feel secure. Since it stops when you're around, I'd say it wants companionship. You could try placing a small stuffed animal in the brooder as a comfort object.
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HenHouseHistorian
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by HenHouseHistorian »

Sounds like it imprinted on you! Some chicks get attached to humans and peep for interaction.
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DustBathQueen
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by DustBathQueen »

CoopBuilder wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 9:45 am Im raising my first batch of chicks and have six little ones, all about four days old. Five seem happy and active, but one chick constantly peeps. It eats, drinks, poops, and interacts with the others, so I dont see any obvious signs of distress.

The peeping stops when I enter the room, and the chick tries to burrow under my hand when I offer feed. Could it just be seeking attention?

The brooder temperature was 90F, but I lowered it slightly after noticing one watery poop, thinking it might be heat stress. Since then, I haven't seen more watery droppings. They are on medicated chick starter, and I use a ceramic heat emitter at night and a dimmable heat bulb during the day.

Should I be concerned about the peeping, or is this normal behavior? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


Some chicks are naturally needier than others. I had one that peeped constantly unless it was snuggled. You could try a small mirror or feather duster for comfort. If it's eating, drinking, and active, I wouldn't worry too much!
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CluckAndGrow
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by CluckAndGrow »

Sounds like an imprinting issue! Some chicks form strong bonds with people if they don't have a mother hen. Try giving it extra handling time to reassure it. You might also introduce a soft object, like a plush toy, to snuggle against.
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PeckingPioneer
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by PeckingPioneer »

If the chick is healthy otherwise, it could be looking for extra warmth. They don't regulate their body temperature well at this age, so slight variations can make a difference. Try watching to see if it stays near the heat source more than the others.
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FeatheredTrailblazer
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by FeatheredTrailblazer »

Some chicks are just extra vocal! If it's eating, drinking, and active, it's probably just seeking attention or comfort.
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HatchlingHustler
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by HatchlingHustler »

Since the others seem fine, it's likely not a health issue. Some chicks just peep a lot,especially when they want company!
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by CoopRebel »

The fact that it stops peeping when you enter suggests it might be lonely or seeking security. If it's not showing distress otherwise, you might have a chick that just wants extra attention! Keeping a gentle hand in the brooder for a few minutes at a time could help ease it.
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GoldenYolkGuy
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Re: Constantly Peeping Chick Seeking Attention or Something Wrong?

Post by GoldenYolkGuy »

Since it's only one chick, it's less likely to be an environmental issue and more of a personality thing. Some chicks just have strong vocal tendencies! Keep an eye on its behavior, but if everything else seems normal, it might just be a chatty little one.
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