Do I need to bring my babies(chickens) in?

[thndrdancr]

Well, we have had a tremendous cooldown.

Today the high is supposed to be only 62, with rain and blowing wind. My girls are about 24 weeks old and the EE is heavily feather, and the other runs pretty hot normally. But they have never been out in this chill before.

Not only that, the redx link has stood out in the chill and wet and is totally soaked. Now I wouldn't worry bout them if it was a fairly warm day, but its darned CHILL out there.

Do you all think I should bring them in and dry them off, I would sure hate for them to catch a cold, I started to get one myself just taking them out the last few days. They ARE used to sleepin inside, so used to warm temps.

Anyone have any ideas...for some reason they think the coop is only for egg laying and dont go in to stay warm. sigh...

Jill

 

[Frizzledhen]

At 24 weeks they should all be feathered out. They need to get use to cooler temps unless you want to bring them in all winter long. I don't know why the knuckleheads like to stand out in the rain but some of mine do and I just have to shake my head at them. If they are in good condition and their feathers are well taken care of there shouldn't be a problem. Can't you lock them in when it rains? That might be better than trying to get them in the house for a blow dry.

Gayle
Chi lady in Michigan

 

[silkiechicken]

24 weeks? I say leave them out. 62 deg is warm enough, just let them have a place they can go that is draft free to escape the chill and blowing wind. If they want they can choose to get into the rain. My birds hang out in the rain sometimes.

My 6-8 week old birds are kicked out with no heat lamps if the high is 62 with the adults sleeping outside by choice even when it get's to freezing temps at night. Only my silkies go in to sleep when it is freezing. (They get to choose where to sleep)

 

[Ma]

At 24 weeks I would think they would be fine. I posted this question two days ago (check the Raising Baby Chicks forum) and my girls are only 9 weeks old!

The consensus was that no additional heat was necessary. they gotta toughen up a bit. After all, in a couple of months the temps here will be a darn site colder than the upper 30's predicted for this week! But still, I worry. They haven't seen a temperature below 55 since they were born in July.

But yours are way older than mine. I am sure they are just fine. My humble 2cents.

Our high today is 60, and drizzly. The girls have been in and out of the coop all day. I shut the run door at dusk. They seem not bothered by the cooler air at all, in fact, I think they are actually enjoying it! This summer has been brutal. It is my understanding that chickens are more tolerant of cold than heat.

HTH
Ma

 

[thndrdancr]

Well, yep, they are full grown, its just they havent experienced temps this cold yet, especially when wet, so I am worried bout them. Not so much my EE, she has some sense and has pretty much stayed dry, but my other chicken is drenched right now. Dummy!

 

[speckledhen]

Jill, they have to get used to cooler temps-you can't have the entire coopload of birds in your house all winter, now can you? They'll be fine, believe me. Those feathers are warm!

 

[Frizzledhen]

If it makes you feel better to bring them in, then do so. Sounds like you only have the 2 so go ahead and spoil them. I can just see myself bringing in 47 hens and roosters, having them all lined up for a blow dry.

They would probably be ok outside but do what you feel is right.

Gayle

 

[silkiechicken]

Ah, just two! Well, spoil them rotten! I too can't imagine brining in 30 some birds when ever it gets cold!

 

[thndrdancr]

LOL, I just worry too much. I know the house temp was 77 last nite and I had to have the fan on them and they are still a bit hot.
I bring them in cuz we got a boatload of possums and it just makes me nervous. I think I have pretty much fort knox coop, but so have others.

We set animal trap and caught one every night for 12 nites in a row. Hubby lost the heart for getting rid of them I think, and so did I.

But one was sniffin round the coop other nite, AFTER I had brought them in. Boy were they spooked the next day. I didnt see him do it, but he might have actually went in the run, cuz they stood at the door wanting out for hours.

They are sure bold, they will come in the garage, etc.

 

[Chelly]

I feel terrible for my babies as well - I normally put them out every day - but its just too cold today - 55 outside.

They're on our enclosed patio - and its not much warmer than that but at least a few degrees is better than nothing.

Last night got super cold, I was REALLY worried about them, but they made it through just fine - I might have to hook up something for warmth - its getting colder!!! (my girls are only 5 weeks!)