5 weeks old now tranfer outside?

[ASP]

Hey guys! I have 5 week old chicks that have been spoiled in my laundry room for too long. I live in Phoenix AZ and right now it's overcast and rainy at 100° Normally 110+ and sunny during day 90s at night. We have been taking "field trips" out to enclosure around coop at sunset but only for maybe an hour at a time. 3 are just about fully feathered but one still fuzzy. Given all this when can they go out? Is my coop secure? When do I transition off (med) chick starter? 1st timer and I'm already a crazy chicken lady now but I need some help!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I don't see anything anchoring the hardware cloth to the ground? If it's just sitting there, it is not secure from predators. It looks to me as if even a cat could get in there, and I don't know what other predators you might have.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Are you worried it is too hot?

 

[rosemarythyme]

How much open ventilation is in that coop? If it's a prefab and you haven't added more ventilation I'd be concerned that it's an oven in there, even with the tarp shading it. Have you gotten a temperature reading inside?

Since you're using medicated starter you may want to continue it for a couple weeks after they move out, since it doesn't do anything without them being exposed to any active coccidiosis in the environment.

 

[ASP]

I don't see anything anchoring the hardware cloth to the ground? If it's just sitting there, it is not secure from predators. It looks to me as if even a cat could get in there, and I don't know what other predators you might have.

What should I use?

 

[ASP]

Are you worried it is too hot?

Yes? It's about 90 where they are now 107 outside...

 

[ASP]

I don't see anything anchoring the hardware cloth to the ground? If it's just sitting there, it is not secure from predators. It looks to me as if even a cat could get in there, and I don't know what other predators you might have.

What should I use?

 

[ASP]

How much open ventilation is in that coop? If it's a prefab and you haven't added more ventilation I'd be concerned that it's an oven in there, even with the tarp shading it. Have you gotten a temperature reading inside?

Since you're using medicated starter you may want to continue it for a couple weeks after they move out, since it doesn't do anything without them being exposed to any active coccidiosis in the environment.

Suggestions on how to add ventilation?

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Suggestions on how to add ventilation?

Just cut big holes and screw in hardware cloth. You’ll need a lot in those temperatures. Also the wire around the coop should extend as an apron at least a foot out. Mine is 17”. Here’s a couple pictures of mine with added vents and the apron. Cover the apron with dirt/rock etc

 

[TLynne1]

What should I use?

The floor of my coop is actually a wood floor 2x4s and plywood. It's secure all the way around so hopefully nothing can get under it. The hardware cloth is secured to that. I agree with the other comments that ventilation is important. It looks like a hothouse. The back of the starter bag should tell you how long the babies should have it. Mine says 18/20 weeks for egg layers even though at 9/10 weeks they have their feathers and look big enough to move from it. I'm just starting also. One of the reasons I'm on this page. Best of luck to you