chicken huddled together

[njones]

Hi, Hoping someone can help me. My chickens (10 of them) are all huddled together tonight. Laying one on top of the other. They have never done this before. They are about 7 weeks old. It is not too cold in the coop, around 80 degrees. I moved the heat lamp up the other night to get ready for a new batch of chicks tomorrow. (so excited, but that was done a couple of nights ago and they have been on their roosts other than this evening. They are at the opposite end of the coop from where the heat lamp is. I tried several times to put them back on the roost, but they all go back to the corner and huddle on top of each other. I have taken each one seperately and check them over. They don't seem to be hurt or anything. Any suggestions on why they are doing this? As you can tell, I am new to this whole chicken thing. I am afraid to go to bed, as I am afraid they will suffocate one another. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[joedie]

Maybe thy're trying to get away from the lamp. Too hot?

 

[LynneP]

Are you sure they are not cold? That is typical behavior for being cold...

 

[Uppity Peon]

Have you checked to be sure there isn't a snake enjoying the heat lamp?

 

[njones]

No, they weren't too cold. And if it was too hot would they huddle on top of each other? I checked the coop last night to make sure there was nothing in there besides my chicks. I don't know what was wrong with them, but they all seem fine today. All are eating well, drinking and were happy to go outside this morning. Thanks for all you answers. You all are great. I am sure I will have more questions in the future. I try to read posts to see if I can find an answer before I post a repeat question. This sight is amazing.
I got my new chicks this morning (yes, they are adorable). I don't think I could do it with out all of you answering questions, giving opinions and ideas. THANKS!

 

[ging3rhoffman]

My chicks were afraid of the dark and were huddled together so i put a little night light in their coop and they now get on their roost and everyone seems happy

 

[Blue Skys]

My chickens are about 10 weeks (give or take) and they all huddle on top of each other when they put themselves to bed. Hubby didn't know this last night when he went to shut them in - he was out there for a pretty long time so I went out to see what he was doing - he was looking around for two of them that weren't missing (I giggled and showed him that they were piled on top of each other - I was very proud of him though - he was going to find my missing chickens)

 

[njones]

Thanks everybody. I guess I won't worry about them. I can now worry about the new babies. Your answers have been reassuring.
I appreciate all your help. again.....THANKS