Brooder to Coop

[bigblueteach]

Chicks from Rural King, estimating they will be 5 weeks old next Wednesday and wanting to move them to the coop and run then. Lows at night will be mid 60s to 70.
Is that an ok temperature?
Do I add some type of low roosting bar like I have in the brooder instead of relying on the higher bars in the coop?
Do I cover the nesting boxes until they get older?
Do I keep them in the coop for a couple of days until opening the door to the run?
Everything is predator proof, after opening the door can I keep it open during summer months?
All advice appreciated.

 

[WingItRanch]

Sounds like you've already done some research!

Most of this is preference so take any advice with a grain of salt but this is what I would do:

Moving them outside: are they fully feathered? Have you been reducing their heat in the brooder (lowering temp). I would start with taking away heat indoors to let them acclimate for a day or 2 but if they're fully feathered, they'll be fine either way.

Roosting: don't bother adding a short roost. They'll probably just huddle in a pile at first and then will instincts will kick in once they're used to the new environment.

Nest boxes: if you have the ability to cover them, do it. Uncover once they get closer to Point of Lay and add a fake egg or golf ball in each box.

Yes, you should keep them inside the coop without access to the run for a couple days to a week. They need to get comfortable with the coop and understand that's the safe place.

If you're confident that your run is predator proof, I don't see why not let them access it as they please. They'll still go into the coop at dusk but spend most of their time outside in the run where I imagine you'll be putting their foot and water.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Temps are fine but if you haven't already weaned them off heat you should do so first.

No need for a "practice" roost, assuming these are standard chicks they can roost at adult heights at 2-3 weeks old.

You can cover the nest boxes if you want, I don't cover (but I have laying hens). If the chicks are hanging around in it too much then yes you'd want to cover them.

Yes it can help home them to the coop by keeping them inside it for the first few days or week.

If you feel confident in your predator proofing you can leave the coop door open. You specified "summer months" which does make me wonder if your ventilation is insufficient in hotter temps, in which case that should be addressed with additional vents vs relying on a door that you may need to shut at some point.