Chicks first night outside

[madkat9495]

Hey everyone!
Its the first night ive put my 6 week old chicks outside in the coop and in Australia its quite warm through the nights. I wanted to put them outside so they can get used to it.. they are also stinking up the house!
I just went out to lock them up and they were making a bit of noise like their scared. They don't have light as i have no power out there. They are almost fully feathered so im not worried about them getting cold but how do they go the night without eating? Will they be ok?
tia

 

[Skipper81]

Welcome to BYC!!!
my chickens don't bother eating after dark but if they want to they can I leave some food in there dishes for them in case I think they pecking at it if they wake up before me. They are pretty good at getting around in the dark. Chickens have super eyesight.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ly-asked-questions-of-raising-chickens.62838/
Here's a link for common questions I found alot on here that was helpful.

 

[theoldchick]

Putting chicks out for the first time is like sending your child off for the first day of school. Since the weather is warm, your main worry is making sure your coop is predator proof. No, they don't need to eat at night so remove all feed. They don't see well in the dark, and I'm sure all the chatter was simply anxious young chicks soothing each other.

Thanks for asking and Welcome TO BYC!

 

[Dayrel]

I've never seen a problem with chickens not having food overnight. Typically, they will gorge during the day and will have full crops when they go to sleep. Overnight, they will continue digesting food and their crops will be empty in the morning when they are ready to start again.

Also, depending on how secure your setup is, it might be good to withdraw food overnight. It can attract pests- particularly rodents.

 

[WyanDotteMeow]

Putting chicks out for the first time is like sending your child off for the first day of school. Since the weather is warm, your main worry is making sure your coop is predator proof. No, they don't need to eat at night so remove all feed. They don't see well in the dark, and I'm sure all the chatter was simply anxious young chicks soothing each other.

Thanks for asking and Welcome TO BYC!

Plus you need to make the wire holes very small due to stoat/weasels.

 

[Skipper81]

Lol good to know I thought they could see in the dark

 

[madkat9495]

Thanks! I have had chickens for a while just not babies. They have food and water all the time just didnt know how the babies would go in the dark

 

[madkat9495]

Putting chicks out for the first time is like sending your child off for the first day of school. Since the weather is warm, your main worry is making sure your coop is predator proof. No, they don't need to eat at night so remove all feed. They don't see well in the dark, and I'm sure all the chatter was simply anxious young chicks soothing each other.

Thanks for asking and Welcome TO BYC!

Thank you. They always have food and water and they are secure away from the adults and predators. Yeah i guess i am like a mum sending them away! Just a bit nervous
Thanks for your help!

 

[madkat9495]

We dont have those animals here, the coup is protected against wild cats, dogs and foxes. Just worried about them being in the dark the first time.
Thank you

Plus you need to make the wire holes very small due to stoat/weasels.

 

[Dayrel]

Just remember that chickens are... well... chicken. They tend to be scared of new things. It takes them a little time to become comfortable in new conditions, but they adapt just fine.