Well this one is easy for me.... I had problems with my peeps when I turned out the lights till I turned them down slowly...
Start with three lights on, or us a sheet or blanket to bring the lights down slowly. Mine are in the bathroom, so when I do my bedtime ritual, I turn the first light off and sing to them very quietly... they love the rythem of "3's". I'm sitting on the throne, shhhhhh don't tell anyone. Then when I brush my teeth I turn down the lights more, using dimmer. this could be done with using more than one light in the brooder. For example I have used christmas tree lights in addition to the warming lite... then after I have put on my PJs, brushed my hair etc. I turn off the last lite... NO more peeping. They are snug and happy.
I know it works because if I don't do it, thier cries make my Mommie heart feel terrible for them, not to mention keep me from sleeping.
I would use earplugs but I want to know if there is a problem.
Oops I forgot to mention thier sleeping box. AKA suragote Hen. first one was made with an oatmeal box cut shorter, turned upside down, with a door cut and bent open. The overhang gives a place for one who feels a little too warm to spread out while still feeling snug with the rest of them.
It is simple that they need to have some warning... they like to get a last sip of water and find their place in the little round box they all sleep in. And they need to hear your voice. Talk to them, tell them it is bedtime, they will learn the meaning of language, and sing a song. chickens love lullabies more than any species I know.
fyi, the little round box they sleep in has a heating pad under it turned on low... and I have carefully calibrated this. It is round to prevent piling up, and I don't keep more than six in a brooder box thusfar.
I also lined it with some feathers. I did this experimentally with a control box without the feathers, and they prefered the feathered box. AS they grow the size of the box must grow too, so I have three boxes now. The box for sleeping makes them feel protected and gives the feeling of the snugness under mom's wings. It is scary going to sleep laid out in the same big box they use for playing all day.
I use a thermometer/hydrometer in it with a remote read out that sits by my bed. If it gets too hot for them or too cold, I can tell right away. I think it has an alarm on it. If I set the perameters, it would warn me, but I haven't learned to use it yet. about $10 at
wal-mart. The hydrometer came in handy one time when there was a water spill!
Keep in mind the warmth issue and fresh air. And get a good nite's sleep dreaming of whatever your heart desires. Mommie duties need to take a rest, too.
This is my first posting,, so somebody write back, so I don't feel like a fool giving all this information. I realize I am talking to "the experts" here.
Your Friend,
MarlaKaye
They wont SHUT-UP!!! Theyre going crazy. They did the same thing last night, I didnt get to sleep until about 3am and now Its 2 and im still awake!! PEEP!!! PEEP!!! PEEP!! PEEP!! PEEPPEEPPEEP!! PEEPPEEP! PEEP!!! My eyes are buring Im so tired and on top of it all Im sick and one of the chicks (2 week old) learned how to get out of the brooder!! YIPPEE!!!!!
