Lights at night??

[FlutterbyChicks]

So... I got my 4 new baby chicks today, yay! Last year, my first flock, I used a heat lamp, so they were well-lit all day and night.

This year, I am using an Eco-Glow. I have them in our garage, in a dog crate covered with a sheet to keep out any slight drafts. The temp in the garage right now is a little over 60, which it should stay at all night.

My question is.... should there be some sort of light on in there during the night in case they need to get water or food? Or will they be good until morning? They're probably only 1 day old, and they did eat throughout the afternoon and evening today, but I didn't know if they needed access at night, at least at the beginning.

Thanks in advance!

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Nope no light at night is great, it allows them to have a natural day night cycle.

 

[FlutterbyChicks]

Thanks! I kept them unlit, and this morning went out and removed the sheet, they all came running out from under the EcoGlow and started eating and drinking. I felt better going to bed knowing they'd be okay!

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Sounds like they are quite content.

 

[azygous]

Baby chicks do splendidly eating all they need during the daylight hours and sleeping all night. It's not necessary or advisable to keep light on them all night and have them eat 24/7. Chickens, even tiny babies, need to rest their crops at night and give their bodies a chance to digest their food.

Having dark at night helps reduce stress, too.

 

[FlutterbyChicks]

Baby chicks do splendidly eating all they need during the daylight hours and sleeping all night. It's not necessary or advisable to keep light on them all night and have them eat 24/7. Chickens, even tiny babies, need to rest their crops at night and give their bodies a chance to digest their food.

Having dark at night helps reduce stress, too.

Perfect! I feel better now and am happy I decided to invest in the EcoGlow. The heat lamps last year were just so bright!