My heart goes out to you, having to make this decision. How bad did they freak out, like harm themselves freak out, or normal chicken, I don't like this change, freak out? You will have to decide what is best for your birds as you know them the best. There really is no right or wrong answer, just the one you think is best at the time you have to make it. Sorry I wasn't much help, hope what ever decision you make works for your birds. Don't be too hard on yourself, you are doing your best for your birds, that's the most important thing, no matter where your birds ride out the storm or how the fair. The idea of moving them at night sounds like a good one. Good luck