4 Week old questions about moving

[Kalthia]

Chicks will be 4 weeks on Tuesday.
They are in my office, which is remaining way too hot to get them acclimated and ready to be outdoors where we just had our first freeze.
My plan is to build the run in the garage - and keep them there two weeks to acclimate . I plan on keeping the brooding plate running on low- or until I feel comfortable that they will be okay overnights w/no issues.
The office is getting down to about 60 when I leave a window open - and I am turning brooder heat off during the day. They seem to be doing fine.

My questions -
1. the garage has a concrete floor - I am planning on padding the run with cardboard with a tarp over that and some hay and pine shavings over that. Will that be sufficient? I don't want them pecking the concrete.
2. Will two weeks be enough time in the cooler garage to get them acclimated to move outside?

Thank you all again for your expert advice - I would be lost w/o you all!

Betty

 

[sourland]

Sounds like a good plan. Two weeks should work unless temperatures drop severely.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I have had 4 week old chicks outside in much cooler temps, so I'm sure the garage will be fine.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Sounds like a good plan. Two weeks should work unless temperatures drop severely.

Agreed, and they will be almost fully feathered by 6 weeks.

 

[Kalthia]

Thank you both

 

[Ridgerunner]

1. the garage has a concrete floor - I am planning on padding the run with cardboard with a tarp over that and some hay and pine shavings over that. Will that be sufficient? I don't want them pecking the concrete.

Don't worry about them pecking or scratching the concrete. Worry about them staining the concrete with their poop.

2. Will two weeks be enough time in the cooler garage to get them acclimated to move outside?

Yes. At 6 weeks they will be able to survive those temperatures without acclimating but they will be more comfortable if you do. I consider it a good idea.