Chicks posing as Moths

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

Why do my chicks (12 days old) try to fly INTO their light? They have plenty of space to run around and stretch their wings in the brooder right now, and we take them on a "field trip" into their future run every day (which is 7ft x 16ft, although they usually only range in a 4x4 corner). The entire top of the brooder opens when I am with them, so if they were headed for open air I'd think they would aim for that, not the Mini-sun. And frankly... I find the "chick guard" on the fixture to be a bit of a joke. And yes, they are excited when I am there (Since I am the Goddess, bringing food, water, and playthings!)

Just wondering what's going on here? I can't raise the light any more than it already is in the 3ft brooder box (there is probably... 18 in between chicks and bottom of lamp). The box is on loan from a farmer friend who had the exact same setup that we do now.

-Meghan

 

[chrissieg]

Are they starting to lose their down and chasing that? I know mine still go into a frenzy at times chasing all sorts of bits in the air! The very act of flying throws up the little feathers.

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

I hadn't thought of that. And I'm sure the feathers would show up better highlighted by the lamp? I have noticed they are like little popcorn... one starts it and the rest follow. Maybe the first one sends off more fluff, so the rest start chasing that, too.

Hmm. LOL!

 

[schmoo]

Mine seemed to do that too, so being the paranoid one I am.......... I made a "better" gaurd easily. Turn the light off and let it cool, then just take a piece of poultry wire and bend it around the whole light twisting the edges at the top. Make sure no "pokey" parts are sticking out

If it doesn't feel secure use a twist tie (tear the paper off and use just the metal) or a piece of wire on top.