Chicks crying at night

[rkapfen]

So I have two 6 week old chicks that I still have inside the house in a large brooder. I turned the heat lamp off last night since they’re older and mostly feathered and need to get used to being without it. They didn’t seem to have an issue last night but tonight they have been crying nonstop with no issue to be found. Both are happy and health chicks. I turned the heat lamp on and they stopped. I live in California and the weather is nice outside let alone inside the house, they shouldn’t be cold. Is this normal for them getting used to being in the dark maybe?

 

[threekidschicks]

Sounds like they need to get used to being in the dark - especially if they've always had a light on before.

 

[rkapfen]

Sounds like they need to get used to being in the dark - especially if they've always had a light on before.

So do you think I should choose the let them cry it out method and let them get used to it or turn the lamp back on? Lol

 

[Chickmamagee]

Mine are six weeks and have been outside in a run all day for at least a week and I bring them in every night. Tried to leave heat off tonight and they were all crying too. After two hours, I put heat back on and within minutes they were quiet and sleeping. It's 74 in the house and they are close to fully feathered. When can I leave heat off?

 

[rkapfen]

Mine are six weeks and have been outside in a run all day for at least a week and I bring them in every night. Tried to leave heat off tonight and they were all crying too. After two hours, I put heat back on and within minutes they were quiet and sleeping. It's 74 in the house and they are close to fully feathered. When can I leave heat off?

We’re in the same boat!

 

[Norcal527]

Mine get upset if they're in a bright room and I suddenly turn the light off. If theres a window in the room they're in I'd turn off artificial lights in the afternoon and let them settle in as the light from the window fades. This method has made the difference for me since I'm not using a red heat lamp.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They're crying about it because they're not used to it. Let them cry. At their age they don't need the heat, they're just complaining because it's something new.

 

[Chickmamagee]

Mine get upset if they're in a bright room and I suddenly turn the light off. If theres a window in the room they're in I'd turn off artificial lights in the afternoon and let them settle in as the light from the window fades. This method has made the difference for me since I'm not using a red heat lamp.

I might try this tomorrow. Thank you.

 

[ChickenFox]

I very much doubt they are cold. They are just upset by the change and want their usual routine back. I say let them cry it out. They should get used to not having the light in a couple days. Good luck!

 

[50-45-1]

I always switch to a low watt bulb at the end of brooding. Like a 40 watt or even a 25.
It does not heat much but gives comforting light. This is also helpful when they get outside and you are having trouble getting them to go into the coop at night.

Mine get upset if they're in a bright room and I suddenly turn the light off.

Turning a bright lighting off abruptly and casting chicks into total darkness would of course be alarming as they are caught unaware and have no warning.
Nature supplies daylight, evening, sunset then dusk gradually to darkness. Duhhhhh...