Another one of those "can I put my chicks in the coop yet" Q's

[IRL]

Hi
My 6 buff orp chicks and 2 pekin ducklings are really stinking up the garage. The chicks are 6 1/2 weeks, and the ducks are 41/2 weeks now. Are they ready for the coop yet? I live in CT and the nights are in the upper 50's and it's been around 70-90 degrees during the day recently. If I can put them in the coop, should I put the heat lamp in at night? Also, do you have any tips for transitioning them from the dog pen in the garage to the coop? Thanks!

 

[gryeyes]

Your ducks are JUST about ready, if they aren't already. They may need the heat lamp at night until their fuzz turns into feathers more.

You can also move the chicks, but you should also have the heat lamp available for them at night.

I put mine in a cardboard box, with 3 of the flaps down and my hand over the open part. Then I snatched up the next chick, did a quick stuff into the box and covered the hole again, for the next chick. Then I tucked the last flap down and carried the box out to the coop.

The ducks, I only have two, so I just tucked one under each arm and carried 'em out to the run.

 

[chicmom]

If the chicks are fully feathered, they will be fine in the new coop. (I think going from the brooder to the coop is harder on the owners than it is on the chicks! LOL)

For the transition, wait until say, an hour before dusk, then put them into the coop, and shut them in there. Let them out into the chicken run (if you have an attached run) in the morning. Then at dusk, they will probably need you to fetch them and put them into the coop and shut them in there for about 4 or 5 times before they figure it out themselves.

The key is to wait until it's about dark, because then you can catch them easily, as they will probably snuggle together and peep alot. They won't run from you then. If it's too light out, it can be a real chore catching them to put them to bed in the coop.

Have fun with it! It's fun to watch!

Sharon