First night without heat lamp, Chick really upset!

[Mariah2257]

Hello, I have 2 chicks that are going on 5 weeks, The heat lamp has been on around 78-80 for while and they don't sleep directly under it. Tonight I turned it off as the temp in the house is set to 74, but the vent is closed in the room where their cage is so its around 78 in their room. I want to get them used to not needing it before putting them outside.

One of my chicks, is ok with it, hes all roosting and sleeping no big thing, the other, is chirping and carrying on like the world is coming to a end. She is even pecking and climbing under and over the other chick. I have a night light on so its not completely dark. I am really worried about stressing her out and causing harm. I don't believe she is cold, she has food and water in the cage in there, she is just really upset and has me worried to death! Please what do I do?

 

[Mehjr10]

Try turning off all the lights and close the door.. see if that works. I use a red light up to 3-4 week then outside they go with no light..

They will do well.

 

[Blooie]

I agree with Mehjr. I think the night light might be part of the problem rather than being a solution. Chickens sleep in the dark. They don't eat, they don't drink - they just sleep and poop, and occasionally drop an egg in their sleep. That little bit of light might be confusing to the chick that is carrying on so - just enough light that she can see her surroundings and indulge in her antics, but not as much as she thinks there should be. After a night or so, she will probably cuddle next to the other one and sleep through the night. In total darkness she won't be able to "run around" because she can't. The sooner she's able to regulate to the natural day/night routine, the calmer she'll be when she goes outside to live.

 

[Mariah2257]

Thank you for the advice. Tonight it was lights out, she made some noise at first, but settled down and is sleeping.
The only time she made noise tonight is when she hears a noise, like when I am checking on her.