chicks awake at night

[tarutgers]

Please help!! I am a first time chicken owner. I have 16 Buff Orpington chicks that are 4 weeks old. We had a raccoon issue which we trapped but do not want any further issues so I have set up a radio in the barn 24/7. They seem calm and fine during the day and take frequent but not lenghthy dog pile naps still during the day. I have been checking on them in the barn about midnight before I go to bed (since raccoon) and they seem to be partying at midnight. Not loudly but not sleeping. Now I should preface by saying that until raccoon we did chicken chores at 9pm and have never checked on them after that time, so maybe midnight parties are their normal???. They have always been under a red light the only thing that has changed is the radio (soft country low volume) Advice please! Should I turn off the radio? Will they get used to it? Or are they like human infants and need to get up and drink/eat and potty during the night? They are thriving and getting huge! Thanks Bunches in advance

 

[azygous]

Your chicks are probably awake at night intermittently to eat since they're still doubling in size every week.

I doubt very much the radio is keeping them awake.

 

[countrycakelady]

Our 14 girls, 1 Buff Orp, 5 Red Sex Links and 8 Golden Comets used to love to have 'after parties' too. They lived in our new 'other house' dh's mancave, rofl......I put them in their coop at 6 weeks of age...they did get up at all hours and eat and drink....they grow very fast! What they are doing is normal...

 

[tarutgers]

Thanks so much for the replies! The raccoon thing scared me. I am MUCH to attached to lose them now and am trying every hint and tip on this site to keep the coons away!! I know the music on soothes ME in the dark barn since I know we have raccoons in common the area! Giggle