How to Train Chicks to Sleep/Rest @ Night :)

[MrsWeasley]

What kind of brooder are you using? We are using a large aquarium, and I'm wondering if even with the new light, they can just see too well anyway.

 

[Fawn and Fam]

We have a large clear tote for the brooder, so probably similar to yours. Actually the see through is nice because you can place a large mirror OUTSIDE of the brooder on one end. We had a huge one from a bathroom remodel, but something like a cheap back of the door mirror would work. They still can see w/ the black light, though not very well with all the other lights turned off. They can see well enough to see "the other chickies" in the mirror.

Are you doing all 4 things (towel, black light, stuffed animal, and mirror)? For me it wasn't till I did all four that it worked where they quieted down w/in a couple minutes and slept/rest the whole night (outside of some occasional quiet peeping).

Now since they are older and it has finally warmed up north here, I no longer use the brooder light. I just leave the room light on till it is time to go to sleep then turn it off. They sure put up a fuss for about 5 minutes the first night, then were fine the rest of the night. It took just a couple of nights for them to get used to it being pitch dark, now they quiet right down. They still want the stuffed animal and towel. They no longer can see themselves in the mirror at night, but sure enjoy it during the day. They have fun looking and pecking at themselves and always take their naps in front of the mirror.

 

[HomesteadDebi]

Funny story: one night when I went to bed instead of getting quiet like normal they started peeping louder than I've ever heard them. One was even "sounding the alarm", her distress call. I thought something must be wrong w/ one of them. I went to them and they were standing in one corner, but fine. I go back to bed and still they're as loud as can be, so I go back to them- nothing. I lay back down and it hits me. I forgot to put their stuffed animal in w/ them! Where they were standing and crying was right next to the animal, just the clear tote was dividing them.

The part about them wanting their "mama" is so sweet!

 

[CStulceSmith]

This thread isnt recent, but the info helped me so much I just wanted to thank you all! My lil chicks are 5 weeks and still indoors, these tips worked very well. I havent tried the stuffed animal and prolly wont. But everything else worked within about 7 mins!

 

[Fawn and Fam]

You're certainly welcome, so glad it worked so well for you! Happy sleep