4 1/2 weeks old today, integrated and on their roost.

[blackdog043]

So they panels aren't just hanging there, I would put a piece of wood under the corners, to help sturdy them, if they can swing.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ya know what you could try... is moving the screws up so there's a ~3"gap all along the bottom of panels, then they can get in and out all long the 'wall'. Have seen that work well.

This was what I was gonna suggest. Or an alternate that accomplishes the same, prop up the bottom of the panel on a few bricks (obviously top needs to be secured down so no chance of it falling over... if there's nails there, maybe reverse the panels and have the nails sticking through the wire mesh holes to secure?) Bricks are perfect height to allow chicks in and out while keeping adults out, and it means you'll end up with much wider openings that are easier for the chicks to find.

 

[Tooshay89]

This was what I was gonna suggest. Or an alternate that accomplishes the same, prop up the bottom of the panel on a few bricks (obviously top needs to be secured down so no chance of it falling over... if there's nails there, maybe reverse the panels and have the nails sticking through the wire mesh holes to secure?) Bricks are perfect height to allow chicks in and out while keeping adults out, and it means you'll end up with much wider openings that are easier for the chicks to find.

I took this route - I propped up the right panel up on some scrap 4x4 pieces and that seems like it'll make it a little easier for them.

Of course, in true chicken fashion, they were mocking me since they ALL came out of the one small opening as I was grabbing the 4x4s to move up the panel... figures. At least they have more entry points to their safe zone now.

 

[aart]

Of course, in true chicken fashion, they were mocking me since they ALL came out of the one small opening as I was grabbing the 4x4s to move up the panel

Murphy's Law.

 

[blackdog043]

Of course, in true chicken fashion, they were mocking me since they ALL came out of the one small opening as I was grabbing the 4x4s to move up the panel

They had to come out and see what was going on.

 

[Tooshay89]

They had to come out and see what was going on.

Little tiny turd birds...

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Cute!

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I had my coop brooder panic doors open all last week. The chicks (11) were 3 1/2 weeks old and were in and out of the brooder all day long. They got the concept of the panic doors real quick and went back in the brooder every night, to sleep under the mama heat pad. I had it turned down to 1 buy Thursday night. My low temps were 30's - 40's and high temps were upper 50's - mid 60's

Today (4 1/2 weeks) I took the brooder down and made a roost in a corner for them. They were playing on it through out the day. I was hoping they would go up on it tonight to sleep, instead of huddling in a corner and they did. I've integrated before at 4 weeks, this year I started a little earlier and it went just as well. If you have room in your coop to brood, I highly recommend it, it makes integration so much easier. Also, integrating at an early age goes better, than waiting until they are older. At an early age the chicks aren't a threat to pecking order. The pecks the older girls give, is a get out of my way or what are you doing here. I've never had a problem with a young chick getting held down and pecked real bad, but it's something you do have to watch for. I start integrating on the weekend so I can be out there to see how things will go.

I use a dog x pen, with a dog crate attached to make my brooder. I make my panic doors out of cardboard.
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First night out of the brooder and using their temporary roost. It won't be long until they are up with the big girls.
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Sooo cute!

 

[Harley Chick]

I had my coop brooder panic doors open all last week. The chicks (11) were 3 1/2 weeks old and were in and out of the brooder all day long. They got the concept of the panic doors real quick and went back in the brooder every night, to sleep under the mama heat pad. I had it turned down to 1 buy Thursday night. My low temps were 30's - 40's and high temps were upper 50's - mid 60's

Today (4 1/2 weeks) I took the brooder down and made a roost in a corner for them. They were playing on it through out the day. I was hoping they would go up on it tonight to sleep, instead of huddling in a corner and they did. I've integrated before at 4 weeks, this year I started a little earlier and it went just as well. If you have room in your coop to brood, I highly recommend it, it makes integration so much easier. Also, integrating at an early age goes better, than waiting until they are older. At an early age the chicks aren't a threat to pecking order. The pecks the older girls give, is a get out of my way or what are you doing here. I've never had a problem with a young chick getting held down and pecked real bad, but it's something you do have to watch for. I start integrating on the weekend so I can be out there to see how things will go.

I use a dog x pen, with a dog crate attached to make my brooder. I make my panic doors out of cardboard.
View attachment 1729045

View attachment 1729025

First night out of the brooder and using their temporary roost. It won't be long until they are up with the big girls.
View attachment 1729059

View attachment 1729061

GREAT pics!!!!!! I too need to integrate 3 chicks with our girls and for the life of me couldn't figure out how to get them to roost until they can jump up with the big girls. couple questions tho, are the chicks safe in the evening while everyone is trying to settle in for the night?

 

[blackdog043]

The chicks are fine with there own roost. I have a couple all ready eyeing the big girl roost. I wont be surprised if they are up there in another week or two.