38 degrees outside

[Brooksy21]

Hi friends, my babies are 8 and 9 wks and have been out in their coop for their first wk. I’ve had the heat lamp on and the lowest it’s gotten out there is 56 however it’s going to get into the upper 30’s tonight so the coop will probably be in the 40’s. Will the girls be ok? Or do I need more heat out there, till they are older or it’s warmer?

 

[rosemarythyme]

They should've been off heat already. I have 4 week olds living outside in mid 40s.

If you have NOT ever removed the heat, then you should probably continue to provide it during this period, as they need to be gradually weaned off heat and not dropped from it cold turkey.

 

[Brooksy21]

They should've been off heat already. I have 4 week olds living outside in mid 40s.

If you have NOT ever removed the heat, then you should probably continue to provide it during this period, as they need to be gradually weaned off heat and not dropped from it cold turkey.

They’ve been outside In the run without the lamp and inside without the lamp, but not in the coop at night without the light. Im wondering if they need any additional heat since it’s getting into the 30’s tonight. Sounds like from what your saying, that they should be fine. Sorry first time chicky Moma here, little overly cautious.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They really should be fine, but if you think you can't sleep at night if you don't give them heat, then do so.

But they really should be off heat completely by now, even down below freezing, as long as they have a draft free place to huddle for the night.

 

[Brooksy21]

They really should be fine, but if you think you can't sleep at night if you don't give them heat, then do so.

But they really should be off heat completely by now, even down below freezing, as long as they have a draft free place to huddle for the night.

I think it’s the drafts that worry me, it a large coop 10x10. That I have sectioned off to a 3x10. It’s an old cabin which we’ve tried to restore the best we could. I think they’ll be ok though tonight. I do get a bit confused with advice sometimes though “It needs to be draft free” on one hand and then I hear “it needs ventilation” on the other hand. It’s so confusing.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think it’s the drafts that worry me, it a large coop 10x10. That I have sectioned off to a 3x10. It’s an old cabin which we’ve tried to restore the best we could. I think they’ll be ok though tonight. I do get a bit confused with advice sometimes though “It needs to be draft free” on one hand and then I hear “it needs ventilation” on the other hand. It’s so confusing.

Drafts - a noticeable breeze coming through where the roost sits, enough to stir feathers.
Ventilation - open air flow, generally above the roosts, or air flow that's buffered so it doesn't blow strongly enough to stir feathers at roost level.

 

[aart]

a noticeable breeze

Yes, strong enough to literally ruffle feathers.

 

[Brooksy21]

Drafts - a noticeable breeze coming through where the roost sits, enough to stir feathers.
Ventilation - open air flow, generally above the roosts, or air flow that's buffered so it doesn't blow strongly enough to stir feathers at roost level.

I was looking back over my post this year and realized I never thanked you for this description. It was really so helpful. All chicks have made it and are now laying. Starting to get ready for cold temps again, it gets cold quick here in Montana. Thanks again,
Jamie