That is actually what I did, I had a dim table lamp (that I didn't mind getting covered in chick dander!) and I light it and then turn off the main light. It gives the room a "dusk" level of lighting. I go away for a while (like, an hour or so), and when I come back, they've put themselves to bed... And then I turn off the dim lamp (yes, they'll sometimes stay up if I leave the dim lamp lit all night). BTW, my Speckled Sussex (the ones I'm talking about now) are 4 weeks tomorrow.
- Ant Farm
That sounds like a great idea. I think I might try that! It sounds much less stressful too because surely chasing them can't be good for them. They scream so loud I feel bad but they do need to go to bed, whether it's under or on top or in a pile (sometimes they don't even get ready and are wide awake. Maybe they need more time) so i will try this but again maybe they need more time. I've been trying really hard to not chase them otherwise though and mostly don't (unless, like today, I need to move them to clean the brooder. Unless someone has a better idea?) but bedtime is kind of essential hah mine are a mix of breeds (1 BR, 2 BA, 3 BO, 2 EE) and 2 weeks old. Will be 3 weeks Monday