7 1/2 week old baby chick question

[PJones]

I'm feeling like a terrible person. I have 7 week old chicks they'll be 8 weeks Tuesday- (Sept 22).
I put them outside in the coop Friday afternoon, they're just cramped in the (huge) box/brooder. They're fine outside during the day but I feel like this horrible person putting them in the (almost dark) coop. It's strange I guess but I feel like they're terrified when I put them up. If I wait until they start bedding down and then put them in there I'll never be able to reach them, they like the part under the coop.

Will it get better? #feelinghorrible

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You're not a horrible person - you are a concerned person who is misreading the cues your chicks are giving off. There is generally some commotion when they "go to bed" as they figure out who is going to sleep next to who, complain when someone steps on them, etc -- it can be kind of noisy and can be heard as distress. The dark is actually settling to them - but they need to be going in before it is completely dark inside so they have enough light to get through their bedtime routine and *then* settle down vs. being put into the coop after it has already gotten dark. When I transition brooder babies to the outside coop(s) I start teaching them the bedtime routine so that they are going in just before dusk (those raised outside with a broody don't have to have this training as mama bird does the training for you - just remember, with brooder babies *you* are mama bird and must teach them the things you want them to know). I like to guide them into the coop so that they are going in under their own power and learn that part as well.......once they are inside I will close the door and let them go through the bedtime rituals.
Is there any light that can get into the coop - windows, etc? If not, that can be part of the problem, especially for newbies who have not yet learned a good routine of going inside.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Funny, I know how you feel, like sending the kids to camp, I have been known to use a nightlight for a bit, other times I have gone out to check on them every few hours, they will get used to it and so will you, maybe you should try putting them in the coop a bit before it gets dark to allow them to goof around in it and become more familiar with it. Good luck.

 

[PJones]

Thanks for the replies.... it is a bit dark, there is one constant window on the end and two on the front that are closed. I'll open those tomorrow. I had to add asphalt shingles to the ramp now. It's rather high and they couldn't get a grip on it to get in. Needless to say I had to put them inside. Coming out this morning was fine.

Should I keep food/water inside also? Or is out in the run enough?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Cute, if you get out there fairly early in the morning, food and water outside is fine. Me, I like to take my time in the mornings, so I keep food in my coops.

 

[donrae]

Don't feel horrible. My broody raised chicks go through the exact same thing when Momma starts to roost. They chirp and cry and carry on like they're dying! Sometimes Momma gives in and gets back on the ground with them, sometimes they just hunker down themselves. They gradually work their way up to the roost over a matter of a few days, fussing and carrying on all the while.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Don't feel horrible. My broody raised chicks go through the exact same thing when Momma starts to roost. They chirp and cry and carry on like they're dying! Sometimes Momma gives in and gets back on the ground with them, sometimes they just hunker down themselves. They gradually work their way up to the roost over a matter of a few days, fussing and carrying on all the while.

Our broody batch last fall drug that stage out for almost two weeks - mama bird is just too much of a sucker and it took her forever to get fed up enough for tough love....they were quite dramatic, lol.

 

[PJones]

If broody moms have the same problem, I feel a bit better .

I did open windows today, I don't know why I didn't think about it being dark inside the coop. I am worried about rain through the windows so for right now it's not something I can leave open during the day while I'm at work.
I will be leaving early each day so I'll be trudging out there before getting ready/leaving each morning is the only thing not totally happy with but will do it.

 

[PJones]

I do think the light was a huge problem. Today with open windows they're in and out. Fingers crossed it starts to get easier

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your coop looks like a cool treehouse. Nice.