Ideas on where to raise the growing chicks!

[kritterdoc]

I have 6 buff orpington chicks that are growing like weeds. I need to move them from my bathroom tub to either a spare bedroom where I can allow the sunrise to wake them and the sunset to put them to bed ( it's quiet and not as social a place as the living room), OR put them in the living room with me and my chicken-friendly dog where they will have more human/social interaction in the evenings within a safe pen, but lights will be on later than sunset.. I want them to be safe, happy, socialized birds, but I don't want to mess with their sleep cycle. Am I thinking too much? Any thoughts on what would be best for the chickies? They are 9 days old, and I plan to move them with their EcoGlow this weekend to a larger space, just trying to weigh pros and cons of each option. This is my first hatch, and I can't believe how much fun this is, and how much I love them!

 

[donrae]

You're thinking too much lol. Sleep cycles don't matter to chicks, they often are lit 24/7 and do just fine. Put them where ever is good for you.

 

[kritterdoc]

Thank you! I tend to over think, but don't want to "should" on myself later!

 

[PineShavings]

Ha, your chicks are lucky to have you as their mother!

 

[kritterdoc]

I'm trying to be a good mama hen. I happened to read where folks were discouraging the use of regular bulbs vs the red heat lamp bulbs, mentioning screwing up their diurnal schedule or some such thing. And, I see how when the sun goes down, they are under their EcoGlow for the entire night, just like clockwork unless I go in to peek at them and then they come out chirping. I think waaaay too much, but it's how I roll! I even have a Dropcam set up so I can check on them during the day while I'm at work. My friends/family are certain I'm nuts, though most are used to my antics, but you'd better believe even my most anti-chicken friends tuned in to the Chicken Cam all day while they hatched! Great fun.

 

[realsis]

Have fun with your babies and trust your instincts. I'm sure they will do just fine. Congratulations on your first babies. Once your bitten by the "chicken bug" you will likely want more and more!! I just love my girls and can't believe how much joy they bring into my life!! People without chickens just don't understand. . Chickens are much more than just a bird. They are family! Each one with their own distinctive personality!! I thank God for my girls!! They bring such happiness into my life!