colonial roosting question

[CraigMo.]

I found 8 martins in one compartment at 5pm last night and noticed this because tail feathers were sticking out the door. I had to go and move them out so they would not get stuck and then die. I assumed they would pack back up for the night so I was going to check this morning. I assumed right. It was still cold but knew it was going to warm up so I made them get out at 6am cause I work today and could not check on them later to make sure they were not trapped in the compartment. Other compartments were filled with multiple martins. What would you all think is the correct way to handle this ? I hope I did the right thing I know this wastes their energy but the sun was peeking thru and this would warm them up
Craig

[taxidermy lady]

It is very chilly here 50 degrees and no sun

[Louise Chambers]

Since you were going to be out all day, probably good that you made sure none were trapped. They will return to communal roost if they need to, after a disturbance. I would not mess with them once it's dark, though.

[Tony]

I have seen multiple martins going into gourds and housing compartments anytime it gets cold. Last year we had a lot of snow after they arrived and all housing that was open were packed full. My neighbor counted 17 martins coming out of one gourd one morning. I have never seen any of mine get caught coming out but I did find two dead flattened martins at the bottom of one gourd last year. I think they were just flattened and smothered by too many martins packing into the gourd to stay warm.

[CraigMo.]

Good I think I did good. Louise I won"t mess with them after dark. I figured they wouldnt die in 10 hours, but didnt think about what Tony said about being smothered. I was more worried about getting trapped by a dead martin in the doorway.