11 Week Olds Baby Chicks and The Darkness

[Noemi]

I noticed my baby chicks wont go inside of the coop at night and they sleep at the door in front of the ramp. I do have an enclosed large area for them but it seems like they don't like the darkness. Tonight I had the coop doors open while cleaning and they did went inside at lay down like they should. It is possible they are afraid of the darkness of that it's normal behavior of them. What should I do?

 

[SIMZ]

It's normal - they have to "learn" to go in the coop at night. Keep putting them in at dark so they get the idea that they should go in. You can also turn a light on in the coop around dusk. That often helps them go in.

 

[Noemi]

What type of lights should I use that is safe for them. Should be on all night or just for a little bit?

 

[SIMZ]

You can use a little solar light or any small wattage bulb - it doesn't have to be very bright. I'll turn it on at dusk and then turn it off when I close their door. It doesn't always work, but often it helps them go in. All you need is something to help them "go towards the light".

Once they're in the coop you can turn the light off.