Please Help

[sadiebeth12]

The chicks went out this weekend at 5 weeks. They were fine the first 2 nights but tonight they are crying and trying to all squeeze into a corner. They almost look as though they will suffocate. They are absolutely paniced and we can't figure out why. Very predator proof coop and not a predator in sight. Why would they do this? What can we do? What are we missing?
Thanks and Help!
Shelley in PA

 

[chicmom]

Hello! Shelley, that is very normal behavior for chicks when they first go outside. In fact, even when they're used to being outside they will still "pile up" until they reach an age when they begin to roost. I think it's harder on us new chick-mama's, than it is on the chicks....Just shut the door, make sure things are secure, and go into your house....They'll be fine in the morning. If it's super hot where you are, (like in the 90s), then you might have a reason to worry, but I'll be things will be fine.

 

[gjpaddles]

Mine did that too the first couple of days. They probly have not learned how to go into the coop yet. I had to pick them up and put them in the coop a few days until they figured out how to do it alone.

Good luck with you babies!

 

[sharol]

last night was the 4th night out for my 5 week olds. I heard a commotion in the coop and went out to check, and they were arguing over who was going to sleep in the corner on the top of the nesting boxes. It will be too narrow when they are adults, but right now that seems to be the roost of choice for them. The first 3 nights they were piled in a corner even though it was 86 in the coop at bedtime. They don't have the pecking order thing worked out yet, and that may become an issue here real soon.

 

[dieselgrl48]

Yea it's hard taking the newbie's out.I will be graduating about 20 tomorrow to a secure inside pen.They will have some remaining unsold 1-2 month's old though to kinda show them the rope's.When I first put the first ones out first couple of days they would just sit with head's down.It was more than warm enough with the heat We have been having.They perked after a day or two and was running around pecking and stuff The new ones are more than feathered enough to be out so I know they will adapt.My other newbies have been getting let out some within the coop and so far the other's birds have been great with them.They will be outside free ranging with the others soon.I basicly let them graduate at their own level provided the roo's or bigger bird's aren't being Ugly.My silkie hen has been taking 6 young out for over a week now outside one got misrouted tonight and I could NOT catch it.I hope it finaly found its way back to her area It got dark and I didnt hear it peeping anymore so...

Your chicks should be fine as long as they have a good air flow and plenty of fresh water and food.

 

[sadiebeth12]

Thank you all! I was afraid I was going to have to pitch a tent out there with them! I had no idea, especially with the past 2 nights going so smoothly! So new to this!
Thank you!!!!!!
Shelley