Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone! I recently got 5 adorable Silkie chicks, and one of them, Patches, has been super curious and loves to peck at anything shiny or colorful. Lately, though, she’s developed this habit of constantly pecking the side of the brooder (it’s a clear storage bin with ventilation on top).

At first, it was cute and funny, but now she’s doing it non-stop, and I’m starting to worry. I’ve been giving the chicks plenty of enrichment, like fruits, cardboard toys, and lots of attention, but Patches still seems fixated on the brooder wall.

I plan to move them to a bigger brooder soon, but I’d love to know: Is this normal behavior for chicks? Should I be concerned, and how can I encourage her to stop?
Any advice is appreciated!

Patches sounds like a smart, curious little chick! What you’re describing isn’t uncommon, especially for chicks housed in clear-sided brooders. They often see reflections or shadows and mistake them for something they can interact with. Moving her to a larger brooder with solid or opaque sides is an excellent plan. In the meantime, you can try distracting her with safe enrichment, chick mirrors, toys, or even hanging vegetables like lettuce or cabbage leaves.

If the behavior seems excessive or she starts showing signs of stress, it could mean she’s feeling cramped or bored, so upgrading the space should make a big difference. Keep up the good work with enrichment and handling, it’s clear you’re a very attentive chick parent, and this phase will likely pass as she grows!

HenAndTonic wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 2:08 am Hi everyone! I recently got 5 adorable Silkie chicks, and one of them, Patches, has been super curious and loves to peck at anything shiny or colorful. Lately, though, she’s developed this habit of constantly pecking the side of the brooder (it’s a clear storage bin with ventilation on top).

At first, it was cute and funny, but now she’s doing it non-stop, and I’m starting to worry. I’ve been giving the chicks plenty of enrichment, like fruits, cardboard toys, and lots of attention, but Patches still seems fixated on the brooder wall.

I plan to move them to a bigger brooder soon, but I’d love to know: Is this normal behavior for chicks? Should I be concerned, and how can I encourage her to stop?
Any advice is appreciated!

Chicks peck at almost anything they find unusual or intriguing.
So Patches' behavior isn’t uncommon.
Clear-sided brooders can confuse them because they might think they can reach through.
Moving to a larger brooder with opaque sides is a great idea and should fix this.
You can also try giving her more to peck at things
Like leafy greens hung from the brooder ceiling, a small mirror, or chick-safe toys.
Sometimes, they just need to burn off extra energy or satisfy their curiosity.
If she seems otherwise healthy and isn’t injuring herself, it’s likely just a phase she’ll grow out of!

Sounds like Patches is a little explorer in the making!
Clear brooders can confuse chicks
They don’t always understand it’s a wall.
A larger brooder with solid sides should help, and until then, toys, mirrors, or even hanging greens can keep her entertained.
Chick curiosity knows no bounds!

Patches’ behavior is normal for curious chicks, especially in a smaller brooder with clear sides.
She might be seeing her reflection or thinking there’s something beyond the wall.
Switching to a larger brooder with solid or opaque sides should help reduce the behavior.
Also, try hanging a shiny object like a CD or placing a chick-safe mirror inside to redirect her attention.
With enough stimulation, this habit should fade as she grows.

HenAndTonic wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 2:08 am Hi everyone! I recently got 5 adorable Silkie chicks, and one of them, Patches, has been super curious and loves to peck at anything shiny or colorful. Lately, though, she’s developed this habit of constantly pecking the side of the brooder (it’s a clear storage bin with ventilation on top).

At first, it was cute and funny, but now she’s doing it non-stop, and I’m starting to worry. I’ve been giving the chicks plenty of enrichment, like fruits, cardboard toys, and lots of attention, but Patches still seems fixated on the brooder wall.

I plan to move them to a bigger brooder soon, but I’d love to know: Is this normal behavior for chicks? Should I be concerned, and how can I encourage her to stop?
Any advice is appreciated!

It sounds like Patches is just curious.
This is pretty common for chicks.
Clear-sided brooders can be confusing for them since they might not realize it’s a barrier.
Upgrading to a larger brooder with opaque sides might help.
In the meantime, keep providing enrichment, and she’ll likely grow out of it!

Its normal, but keep an eye on her. If she starts pecking at other chicks or herself, it could become a problem. More enrichment should help!

Its not unusual, but constant pecking could lead to injury. Try adding a small perch or branches for her to explore instead.

Silkies are especially curious! Moving them to a larger brooder with more space and hiding spots should help reduce the fixation.

It's normal, but keep an eye on her. If she starts pecking at other chicks or herself, it could become a problem. More enrichment should help!