Cold snap during transition outside

[linzmal]

I have three five week old chicks that have started their transition to the coop. At 3 weeks we began bringing them into the yard for a few hours at a time on warm days. At 4 weeks they spent most of the day outside and came back into the 65-70 porch and only had their heat lamp on if it got colder at night. Now at 5 weeks we have decided to let them spend the night in their coop. The first two nights were fine, the temp stayed above 50 at night, and 65-70 during the day. Now there's a cold front moving through this week where the temps at night will be in the mid to high 40's (lowest forecast is for 46). Will they be OK at night? I'm worried they haven't had enough time to acclimate. So far they are fine but tonight will be the coldest they've ever experienced. Should I bring them back in or will they just huddle up and get used to it?



Here's the coop, it's painted now. It's 4x4 with ventilation at the top and a clear roof.

 

[Bluegrassmama]

I think they will be fine. My 4 week old chicks were put out in their coop and we had a cold snap within a couple of days. I made them a huddle box, just a cardboard box with a hole large enough for them to fit through then put some pine shavings in, and they did awesome.

 

[linzmal]

Thanks for the advice! We gave them a huddle box and they seem to be just fine. The sun came out a bit and despite the cold they're running around and pecking up a storm outside. They are returning to the coop more often than on warmer days but I figure its a good sign that they know to go inside and warm up.

 

[Bluegrassmama]

It sounds like they have it figured out! I'm glad everything is going well for your chicks.

 

[SueT]

I'm moving my 4 week olds out on Monday....we will have lows in the 40s as well. I'm doing a huddle box too, no heat source other than their bodies. From what I have read here in other forums, I'm sure you need not worry.....5 week olds should be fully feathered.

 

[Bluegrassmama]

My 5 week olds still have fuzzy butts but mainly feathers everywhere else. It has been ridiculously hot here this spring. It was 90 degrees here today and 67 was the low!