- Apr 20, 2013
- 68
- 4
- 81
Hello everyone. I am new to raising chickens. My babies were born March 25. I have some Barred Rock and Rhode Island Reds that I will be raising for egg layers. My wonderful hubby has built me a nice coop outdoors that is 4 x 8. We got the ideas from this site. It is very secure and has windows and vents roost and nesting boxes. I have been keeping my chicks in a bedroom in a large rubbermaid box. Of course now they are flying out and all over the room. I have only been putting the heat lamp on at night only-and they avoid it. I think I need to switch to a regular light bulb instead of the heat lamp.
My coop is ready. My run will be this weekend. I want to move them out of the bedroom to the coop today. We are actually experiencing some cooler temps- 60 days and 40 at night. Is it too soon. They have most of their feathers-except their heads. I can add the heat source to the coop. I am thinking the heat lamp will produce too much heat. Maybe just use a regular 60 watt bulb. If I move them should I open the vents? They are located up high so wont put a draft on them.
I dont plan on turning them out in the run until weather warms up next week to 70 and 80s.
If it is too soon I am thinking of putting them out there in the day and bringing them in to a large dog crate at night.
Please advise. I love this site and have learned so much I am enjoying my chickens!!!
Amy
My coop is ready. My run will be this weekend. I want to move them out of the bedroom to the coop today. We are actually experiencing some cooler temps- 60 days and 40 at night. Is it too soon. They have most of their feathers-except their heads. I can add the heat source to the coop. I am thinking the heat lamp will produce too much heat. Maybe just use a regular 60 watt bulb. If I move them should I open the vents? They are located up high so wont put a draft on them.
I dont plan on turning them out in the run until weather warms up next week to 70 and 80s.
If it is too soon I am thinking of putting them out there in the day and bringing them in to a large dog crate at night.
Please advise. I love this site and have learned so much I am enjoying my chickens!!!
Amy