1st night in coop!

[aart]

Are there any windows in that coop?
Windows are always good, for light and ventilation.

 

[alittletoofar]

Are there any windows in that coop?
Windows are always good, for light and ventilation.

Yes, but I am definitely going to add additional windows this weekend. I agree that it is too dark. Originally, I thought it needed to be dark because they only go in there to sleep. Now I'm learning that was wrong.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Yup, we learn alot here ...

 

[Blooie]

They are just fine. Chickens don't like change -any change - and moving out is a BIG one! They huddle together for security just as much as for warmth, just as nature intended. Oh, they can put up a first class chickie temper tantrum sometimes when they are faced with something they don't like. As you have seen, once they figure things out, they adapt very well. Most of the time it's harder on their people than it is on them! Way to go!

I never ever raise chicks in the house. Went through that once with the heat lamp and the little Divas taking over, and at 5.5 weeks I said, "It's either them or me!" Out they went. Temps took an unexpected plunge - our forecast low of 30 became 18, and I expected to find chickcicles when I went out there to check on them. They were doing exactly what yours did - snuggling down in a pile of beaks and feathers on the floor, and they were fine. I was freezing. I kept getting up during the night, much to hubby's dismay, (who knew ice cube feet on a warm sleeping body could cause so much turmoil?) and they were just fine every time. That's when I figured out that I could skip that whole "95 degrees the first week, 90 the second, and keep 'em in the house until you find the first egg in the brooder" routine. I started raising them outside with a heating pad cave and I've never looked back. 8 batches, every batch, every time.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Made the switch to MHP (Thank you Blooie's), the results & attitude of the chicks are so much better. Love it

 

[Blooie]

Made the switch to MHP (Thank you Blooie's), the results & attitude of the chicks are so much better. Love it

Amazing, ain’t it? It’s so close to a broody hen that they transition themselves, with little or no fussing on our parts. All we have to is enjoy them!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Quieter, less skittish! I brood in my living room the first week (observation), when Hubby dispenses ice, the chicks scramble but not with MHP. They don't even startle! Yup, best way to go, IMO