How do I get the light off in the coop? They are scared of the dark.

[teach1rusl]

I have my light on a cheap timer. Like yours OP, it's just a 40w bulb. It comes on around 8:00 and goes out around 9:00. I did this to "train" them to go inside the coop at night (and worked like a charm). Tonight was the first night they went in without the light

And yes, they will always squabble a bit when trying to get use to the dark, but they typically settle down within 10 minutes or so...

 

[pinkwindsong]

when I moved my flock out I used a single solar powered walk way light. its just enough light to keep them calm and it slowly darkens after a couple days. they didnt say a peep.. now its just there. I dont think they pay it any mind at all.
good luck )O(
Pink

 

[welasharon]

Quote:
I like this idea!

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

Fred's Hens :

Too late this time, for for future note. The last night or two in the comfort and security of the brooder, try to acclimate them to darkness and the absence of heat lamps.

That way, the move to the coop doesn't include three new experiences at once, darkness, cooler temps and a new surroundings. They'll adjust, it is just a lot to process for them all at once, perhaps.

That's exactly what I did. It works great.​

 

[epeloquin]

Our girls are just shy of five weeks old. They have been in the coop for three day now. I began turning their light off at night about a week ago so they had about 4 or 5 nights without. They did protest for a little while but inside of ten minutes or so they quieted down. They will adjust and in my opinion leaving any light just prolongs the situation. I would turn it off. They'll be fine.

I hated hearing them peeping loudly too, I felt bad. But they adjusted just fine. I have also noticed that if they know you're around they will keep going longer. It is best that they don't see or hear you after lights out or it may keep them going.

 

[gritsar]

So long as nobody is piling up (you may have to check for this after the light is out by using penlight to see by), bid them goodnight, close the door and walk away.

Seriously folks, you can add a nightlight if you want, but they don't need it. They should be sleeping at night anyhow.

They'll get over, really they will. I have two week old chicks that know that they best have their little fuzzy butts in the coop before sunset or they're going to be in the dark.

And by the way, there's a difference between cuddling together to sleep and piling up. When they are just cuddling, nobody is being smothered at the bottom.

 

[Grammahen]

I have a little Christmas candle in my coop's window on an electric timer. It goes on just before dusk and off at about 10pm. It is just enough for them to see to come into the coop at night.

 

[GLBRWyans]

@ Grammahen ,

I love your quote about chickens crossing the road

and all us chicken lovers said , Amen . lol

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you wish you can try turning the light off for gradually longer periods of time while they are in the brooder to get them used to the dark. I don't do that though. When it is time to take the heat away, the light also goes away. Mine adjust very quickly. None of mine have required sessions with a psychiatrist over this issue.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Or grow up and blame their bad behavior on someone turning the light off on them when they were chicks?