Help. Chicks won't stop chirping and wont let me put them down

[Deb T]

Help chicks won't stop chirping. They started chirping very loudly about 30 minutes ago. They flew out of the open brooder to me. Every time I try to put them down it gets worse. They only thing that has changed was i took the heat light away but that was early this morning. I live in NOrth Texas and we are expected to have storms. But no activity now. Do you think it is affecting them now that they are a little older? They are 4 weeks

 

[eggbert420]

They want their light.

 

[Louise Waffles]

Could they be chilled? Is it dark in their brooder? When mine were little they would kind of freak out when I shut off the light at bedtime. I ended up having to let them have a nightlight. Then they were okay. They eventually did fine with no nightlight when they were older.....and now is when I realize I am a crazy chicken lady. Nightlights! For chickens!

They may be able to sense storms coming, and it's making them nervous.

 

[eggbert420]

Could they be chilled? Is it dark in their brooder? When mine were little they would kind of freak out when I shut off the light at bedtime. I ended up having to let them have a nightlight. Then they were okay. They eventually did fine with no nightlight when they were older.....and now is when I realize I am a crazy chicken lady. Nightlights! For chickens!

They may be able to sense storms coming, and it's making them nervous.

Whatever makes them happy.

 

[Louise Waffles]

Whatever makes them happy.

Of course!

 

[ChickNanny13]

It's possible they're chilled & unsure of the darkness which they're not used to to. I used to have that problem too until I changed my heating method to MHP (heating pad). They're kept warm & learn the difference with day & night, alot calmer chicks. There's a thread here about it, check it out.

 

[dawn secord]

I've read as well as noticed with my own chicks that when they get chilled they are noisy. When their temperature is comfortable they are quiet. It may have to do with the light but I definitely would be worried that they're chilly

 

[barred2rock]

Why would you take their heat source away just because of approaching storms? Of course they're loud, they're cold. At last resort you can use your body heat to keep them warm; but expect to change clothing after.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

IMO 4 week olds don't need a heat lamp, especially indoors. They should pretty well be feathered out. Is it dark in the brooder? That may be the problem.

 

[azygous]

Good grief. Chicks at four weeks do NOT need a heat lamp! Do. Not. Need. Heat. Unless it's below freezing. Do you keep your house at 30F?

Your chicks need space. They need a coop. They need a run to run around in.

How is your weather these days? Is it getting into the 70s during the day? Is it above freezing at night? If so, you can begin letting your chicks spend all day out in the run and bring them inside at night. After a few days of that routine, you can move them into the coop and let them fend for themselves.

No heat unless you want to keep them from ever being cold hardy.