can someone give me a quick run thru on the 1st few days in the coop?

[phishinchicken]

like what do i need to do to make the transition easy?

i read somewhere to block off the nest boxes for a while. yay or nay?

should i put straw in the run or coop?

food and water, inside or out or both?

 

[phishinchicken]

or not

 

[fshinggrl]

I have water both in and out. I had mine in the coop for a few days before letting them out. I do not block the nest boxes off but do not have any straw in them either. I've been giving them some treats too.

 

[first time farmer]

I have seen some people who block off the nesting boxes. I think its a good idea so they do not sleep in it. If you want to use straw for bedding in the coop do ahead i use pine shavings because i can get them for free. I have feed and water in the coop. And water outside.
Hope this helps

 

[phishinchicken]

so the night time thing is no big deal then?

what about a heat lamp? if temps drop to the high 60s at night.

 

[finnleyjo]

How old are your chicks?

Mine are 7wks old and went out into the coop a couple of days ago. Our nights are in the 50s and I don't have a heat lamp for them out there

If they are fully feathered then they should be fine.

 

[first time farmer]

I put mine out at 5 weeks (all fully feathered) and they were fine. Make sure that your coop is predator proof. I thought mine was and i was wrong.