Terrified Chicks?

[mompom]

Our eleven babies are 6 1/2 weeks old, and have been playing in their run all day for two weeks. We have been bringing them in every night, but think they are big enough to stay out all night. They don't have a coop that locks up, but a "predator proof" run with electric fence, buried hardware cloth, etc, etc. Just before dark, we go fetch them, and they are huddled on top of each other by the gate. Are they waiting for us? Or are they terrified of the dark? Dare we just leave them alone, and see what happens? I'd hate to wake up next morning to see paralyzed with fright chickens! Advice, please.

 

[allpeepedout]

While you might know the run is predator proof, your chicks don't seem to. I'd listen to what your chicks are telling you regarding needing to feel safe and secure inside a coop or high off the ground on a roost.

Trapped down on the ground out of doors at night I imagine they feel like sitting ducks. Is it warm enough for them all night? Is there a plan for housing? Perhaps you could lock them in dog kennels in the run or put up temporary roosts until the real coop is available.

 

[mompom]

Oops, not too clear about the coop. They have a lovely coop with roosting bars up off the ground with a poop floor and a ramp (no nesting boxes yet). They run in and out of it all day. That's where the food and water are. Their brooder boxes inside our house have two roosting bars as well. And they use them to sleep on. So they know what they are for. I just don't understand why they don't go in the coop when it's getting dark. How can we leave them out all night if they are scared? We are training them in the house by turning off the lights, but the all huddle together in a corner of their box, until later, then use the roosts. Do we brave it, and just do it?

 

[Mr Beaks]

Hello mompom and welcome . Is it possible that they are too hot? I noticed when the temperature shot up our chickens (18 wks) decided they were going to sleep on top of their coop rather than inside. Like yours, they formed a nice little pile. It also sounds like they are used to you coming outside to get them each night so they probably WERE waiting for you . I would begin placing them on the roosts inside the coop at night so they know that is where they are to sleep. I believe the transition from brooder to coop is 4 - 5 weeks of age. Feel free to ask lots of questions and good luck with your new flock!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would agree with Mr Beaks. Place them inside the coop at night. In a few days to a week they will get the idea that it is home.
I had to gather the chicks for a few days when they were first introduced to the coop as well.

 

[mompom]

Thank you so much for your help. We did decide it was time last night for their first night in the coop. They were waiting for us when we went out just at dark, so we placed each one on the roost and then turned on the brooder light to make them feel secure. Well, they all jumped off the roost. So we turned off the light and placed them back on the roost. We have a baby cam fixed up, so we could see them on the house monitor all night. All was quiet, and they didn't move until the sun came up. There is a row of poop to prove they didn't move a muscle!! Success! Maybe we can get some sleep tonight....

 

[Mr Beaks]

So glad to hear it went well! Love the idea of a baby cam in the coop, too!
We are all here to help/support one another so feel free to ask lots of questions Congratulations on your new flock! :cd