Weaning the chicks off the heat lamp/Light.

[wilhiteranch]

I turned off the lamp the other night to see what they would do and they freaked. They all ran to the other side of the brooder and chirped a weird chirp. They are 4 weeks old and my house stays about 73-74. WHen can I start to wean them so when they go out in the coop they are not scared of the dark

 

[Lesa]

I doubt they were afraid of the dark! Perhaps they were cold or startled by the change...I usually put the lamp in the coop for night, for awhile- but our nights are chilly.

 

[Nicole01]

I started taking the lamp away during the day. Mine freak at night too, but they settle down after a while.

 

[BarefootMom]

Total darkness would FREAK them out if they are used to 24/7 light. To help wean I alway switch to a 40 watt bulb or so in the brooder light. it seems to work pretty well.

 

[jtr]

Quote:
agree i do that to other than i use a little red chirstmas tree light so its the same color. my 5 week olds are in a metal trough outside and it dips down to lower 50s at night still here so your 4 week olds will be fine in the house with out the light when its in the 70s or 60s

 

[stcroixusvi]

I put a night light in the area that goes on automatically. Seemed to settle them down.