Chickens waking up when its still dark out

[MaKettle]

So this is a super silly question..or maybe more like a statement

Since the weather is finally turning, we are seeing it get really dark between 7-8pm and its still pitch black outside when I wake up at 6am. I've been very suprised to see my chickens rising during their normal schedule of 6-6:30am, even though its still dark. They go to bed much earlier now that its getting dark earlier....I just didn't think that they would get up when it was still dark out...

Is this "normal?"

 

[Schultz]

They get up a little before the sunrise. It is normal, at least it has been for my flock. I believe that this the time that they use to plot and scheme. LOL!

 

[roosters4sale]

HEY MA. I noticed our roosters start to crow an hour before good daylight. I think they are very light sensitive, because, the moon at night makes them crow.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

They are very light sensitive and most awaken as soon as a tiny bit of light creeps over the horizon

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Yup. And start crowing.

Good thing I like to hear crowing.

 

[gryeyes]

I was feeling pretty grumpy about having to get up BEFORE the danged chickens, but when I opened up their coops in the very early before dawn light, the roosters crowed at me and the girls buk-buk-bukked a bit. They didn't come OUTSIDE until there was a bit more light, but they were already awake.

When the time changes from Daylight to Standard, I'll see if they're still asleep when I slog my way out there with a flashlight before I go to work.

Makes me sad, though, because it means I won't see ANY of my feathered friends during the week.

They'll have put themselves to roost long before I get home from work.

 

[Tala]

Birds can see some UV light that we cannot.
During the summer when the days are long, sometimes I heard my birds coming down from the roost as early as 4.30am!!

 

[LuvMyPeeps7]

My roosters up at 3:30 am. And he wakes up the whole neighborhood......So glad I have understanding neighbors(DH Hunts). So they deal with Mr. Foghorn Leghorn!!

 

[33yardbirds]

I have a BR that starts crowing between 4 and 4:30 every morning, when I go out at 5:30 it's still dark and some are milling around. Open the run door and out they run. Some do like to sleep in and don't go out till there's a little light showing. 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise.

 

[crj]

My rooster crows around 4:30 am too. I also have neighbors that like it. Man, am I glad....... whooosh.