My house has a central vacuum. The motor unit is in the garage. We'll since moving the chicks to the garage I only used it once and went outside and the poor things were huddled in the corner. The central vac motor is LOUD. But my floors have all kinds of muck and need to be cleaned. I can't move the brooder because well its huge. Do you think it will hurt them? I worry about giving them a heart attack. Once it started would they just get used to it? Or should I wait until hubby gets home and both of us carry the brooder outside while I vacuum?
You have to worry about them piling up. My chicks did that once when the lawn mower got too close. I had to revive the two chicks at the bottom of the pile. They do seem to get used to it, but you have to watch for that initial panic.
Im not really sure, but I don't think having a motor in someones ear could be too healthy or comforting so I would move the chicks alittle farther away, Having said that, I have 6 dogs in the house and they all bark alot, especially the toy poodles, in the beginning they(chicks) were alittle scared and coward together, but now 2 months later they aren't phazed in the least by them in fact, and its kinda cute, but it seems as though they "use" the dogs as a early warning system. When the alarm goes off (Dogs Barking) everyone perks up and is on the look out for what ever. Long story short, they will adjust to the noise after a while Im sure, at least mine did. But again, I would move them farther away from the motor, so it won't be quite as frightening for them.
If loud noises killed chicks mine would all be dead. I own a rescued Moluccan cockatoo, add maladjustment to the LOUDEST animal on earth and sometimes you get mind numbing eye crossing ear rending earth shattering sound and he can go on for quite some time. Haven't killed any yet. Pile ups are always a problem whether the pile is from fear or cold. Keep an eye out for one, with very young chicks that's dangerous. Some times it helps to stop and start repeatedly and build for time.
I'm actually trying to get mine used to noises, gradually. Mine are in the garage in a 4' x 4' brooder. So, the furnace comes on quite a bit and they've been fine. I also turned on the shop-vac and that scared them a little the first couple times. But, they're alright. I just don't want them to eventually be running for cover every time I mow the lawn or use power tools outside. Ultimately, none of my efforts may make a difference in the long run. But, I'm giving it a shot.
