Transitioning chickens off heat lamp

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Limeaide

Limeaide

Chirping
6 Years
Jun 23, 2013
22
3
79
I just picked uo a couple of 4 1/2 month old chickens to add to my flock, but when I went to the sellers coop I saw they had a heat lamp on them. I don't use a heat lamp in my coop, to prevent dependency so my question isn't about using a heat lamp for not using a heat lamp exactly...but how do I transition these birds who are used to heat into a coop that doesn't have heat?

It is 15 degrees out and we're supposed to get hit with even lower temperatures this weekend. I just don't want to shock them with the cold... what is the best way to help them transition?
 
You couldtry to keep them inside for a few days
And then slowly introduce them outdoors
Untill they are out there all day.
Or
You could also give them a warm deep bedding of straw (because it's warmer than sawdust)
And put them out into the coop.
The straw will keep them warm so it won't be too much of a transition.
They also have their full feathers which will keep them warm.
Goodluck
Fionn.
 
Last edited:
Ok,thanks! Two of them are fully feathered and two are missing some patches on their back still. I just got two bales of straw from the feed mill so I can make it super cozy in there.
 
Might consider a huddle box for the newbies.
Were they outside but with a heat lamp available?
Just how 'heated' were they?

What about integration with your other birds?

Wrote this is for chicks, so adjust to your situation:
Make them a 'huddle box', put it in the brooder after turning off the heat(you might have to 'persuade' them to use it) then move it out to the coop with them.
Cardboard box with a bottom a little bigger than what they need to cuddle next to each other without piling and tall enough for them to stand in.
Cut an opening on one side a couple inches from bottom and big enough for 2-3 of them to go thru at once.
Fill the bottom with some pine shavings an inch or so deep.
This will give them a cozy place to sleep/rest, block any drafts and help hold their body heat in.
 

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