Chicken Mama in AZ

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Jodie J

Jodie J

Hatching
Joined
May 11, 2016
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Location
Prescott, Arizona
Hi all.:). I have 3 1 year old chickens (2 Americans & 1 Rock barred). They are happy and healthy. We recently got 3 chicks. We think they are about 10 weeks old???? We've introduced the bugs to the littles and it seemed to go well. With supervision.
My questions are:
How long do the chicks need to be under the heat lamp?
When can they be put outside in a coop all night and day without being in a containment tub?
I live in norther Arizona. We are reaching the mid 80s during the day so the chicks get some sunlight but the nights are still dropping to the low 40s.
Thanks for all your input. You wouldn't believe how much I've forgotten in a year :)
 
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I live in Ut..getting warm here too. I have some out in my chick nursery..only a 100 W. bulb on them, they are only a few weeks old. I will be turning that light off once the temps start staying in the 70's. Your babies probably don't need a heat lamp at their age. :)
If you have an area where they can be safe, away from dogs, cats, other predators, go ahead and put them out. If you think it's too chilly out at night, just make sure they have a place that they can huddle up, I'm thinking 80's is a pretty good temp to let them be outside. :)
 
I should also mention that the chick feathers are coming out and the big girl ones aren't filling in very well. Under their wings and back are pretty bare. That's what makes me worry about putting them outside at night.
 
Too much heat..(heat lamp) can cause this feather loss. Once they are out in the nice warm sunshine, they should fill in. You will see funny little pin feathers coming in where the baby fuzz was. They look a bit awkward for a while. Not only are there ugly ducklings..but, ugly chickies too.
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You could put them out in the day, and then back in at night if you are worried, but don't use a heat lamp. Not sure how big of a container they are in, but I am thinking go down to a 60 for them .. at night. Then, down to a 40 in a couple of days. They will get used to it pretty quick, they are older. Then they can stay out at night without heat. I'm thinking Arizona is staying pretty warm at nights by now? We are in the 40's at night. My little Bantam 3 week olds are outside, with the light bulb, but, they have an open front to their hutch. If they are chilly, they will get under it at night.
 
What's your take on putting them in the coop with my 1 year olds? They were fenced off outside yesterday and my bigs didn't seem to care much about them. When we took them out, just to see what they'd all do together, they did fine. Is it still to early to mix them?
 
You did good to watch them. Do this for a few days until you can tell that they will be ok with the big ones. Just make sure they have room to run if needed. :) If you decide they are doing well, listen while you are in the house, if you hear a squabble, goo check on them. You will have to show them how to roost at first. I usually have to make a trip out there three to 4 times, each night, to put them up on a roost. They catch on pretty fast. Nice to go out and finally see that they got up themselves. They usually like to bed down in a bottom nest box at first. I don't want that, so I go out each night until the get it. It's worth it..no messy nests boxes.
 

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