Are they ready for the coop?

[mattv1984]

. I am new to raising chickens. Do you guys think they are reading to move to the coop. We still have some cool nights. We have a few that's going to be in the 30s this week. Thanks for the help

 

[sourland]

Any possibility of providing a heat source for at least the evenings?

 

[eagrbeavr]

They should be fine. They're much hardier than given credit for.

Have they been outside at all?

 

[azygous]

You can do it one of two ways. You can provide a heat source for a few nights after moving to the coop until they acclimate to cooler temps. Or you can acclimatize them before you move them to the coop by removing their heat source the first night, open a window the second night, and open it further the third night until they are experiencing nearly the same temps as they would outdoors.

Taking them outdoors for daily romps is also a great way to introduce them to cooler temperatures.

When it comes to temperature changes, gradual is the best practice where chickens are concerned.

 

[mattv1984]

. This is the coop I'm keeping them in while they are small. I've been keeping them in it durring the day and taking them in at night. It doesn't really have a way to put heat in it that I know of. The coop says it's good for six chickens, but i don't see how 6 will fit in it. I'll have to add a larger run when they get bigger.

 

[turboscooby07]

They look quite feathered... as long as they are out of the wind i would say you are fine.... mine have been out for a while now in 30s at night and outside in a run all day between 50 and 80 during the day without heat. However my brooding coop is small for 15 birds and filled with straw. Straw holds heat very well and they make a big nest and pile up for the night.

 

[eagrbeavr]

They'll be fine.

 

[Kyle Spencer]

They should be alright.

 

[mattv1984]

Thanks everyone. I've just been worried I'd go outside in the morning and find 6 frozen leghorns. I've been using pine shavings for bedding. They have almost outgrown the brooder.

 

[turboscooby07]

If that cage is the brooder they have outgrown it for sure...get them out and keep an eye on them. Chickens are tough ....however i always wonder if wild animals think to themselves **** its cold or oh great its raining again