diff --git a/adaptive.go b/adaptive.go
index 772021e..df76a79 100644
--- a/adaptive.go
+++ b/adaptive.go
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ func (a *adaptive) Target(s Stats) (int, time.Duration) {
 
 	// magic number 2: we allow max 2 idle items to be collected only by the nightshift, to provide better
 	// support for sporadic requests, when it's active or just going inactive:
-	if t < 2 && a.activeStart.After(a.activeEnd) {
+	if t < 2 && (!a.initialized || a.activeStart.After(a.activeEnd)) {
 		t = 2
 	}