HOW DO YOU TEACH CHICKS TO SLEEP DURING THE NIGHT?!

[Fawn and Fam]

We have two 2-3 week old chicks. They go to sleep when it gets dark out (about 8:00) and then are wide awake at about midnight when we go to sleep. They are awake until about 7:00a.m. and then want to sleep till about 11:00a.m. I tried leaving a light on so they wouldn't go to sleep but that hasn't stopped them from sleeping. Any ideas?

 

[fiddlebanshee]

What kind of heatlamp are you using? If it has a clear bulb with yellow or white light that will interfere with their sleep patterns. They will sleep when it is dark, as they can't see very well in the dark.

You may want to try a black heatlamp bulb like the ones for reptiles, I think petstores would have those. Your chicks are now at an age where they don't need the 250W bulb anymore anyway, so if it's lower wattage that's probably fine, just monitor their behavior to make sure they're not too cold.

 

[Fawn and Fam]

I have been using a red bulb the whole time. They now have a 100 watt bulb that keeps it 85 degrees. I will put it higher as they get older. I will definitely try a black bulb and see if that helps, Thanks! Any other ideas from anyone are welcome because they are going to be inside for quite a long time till our weather gets warm enough.

 

[lolitahbi]

Being a mom...i would think that their sleep patterns would change as they get older...just like real kids...lol

 

[Fawn and Fam]