Failed miserably moving to chicks to coup

[BIggoMamma]

Let them out a few hours at a time to get them used to it. They think you are the Mamma. It may be a little chilly. you will do fine.

 

[tinakevin]

I have to say that reading this has brought a smile to my face and some chuckles because I can definitely relate.

 

[TominWa]

5:30 AM - the next Wednesday. As I sit here at my kitchen table looking out the window into the dark I am a mix of pensive reflection and sadness.

It is moving day.

I took the very good advise of the first lady who helped me through this, June, as well as several others who pulled their virtual beanbags into the circle of this thread and held an intervention.

For the past week I have slowly taken all heat away.....and light.

Helga, the larger of the group and a strict no nonsense Cherry Egger, immediately started squawking a sound I haven't heard in the brooder before. A call high pitched, demanding. I figured out it was a call to roost as the light started waning. I think she is head chicken now.


They all huddle together in a corner, diving under each other and eventually drifting off into an all night deep sleep. Daily I wait, as the sun begins to rise, waiting to hear little chirping and enter the room to happy little chickens. All, excited and waiting for their morning treat.

Little Lulu leading the charge for attention and climbing up my bathrobe followed by Scarlett (my favorite) and Diana the two lovey Buff Orpingtons.

My little babies have grown up. This morning.......we all move into the new coup that I had an extra week to finish out.

I will post pictures after the move.

 

[dobbisha]

Ah I remember the first night in the coop. You have gotten great advice so I have nothing to add really except to reassure you that it does get better. That first night they clung to us and oh how they cried. I rocked and soothed my Henrietta like an infant, trying to calm her that night. My daughter and I cried and were up all night peeking out the kitchen window to make sure they were ok. They still protest bedtime but it only lasts a few seconds and then quiet. Actually, that's what brought me here today. It's been about two weeks for us and I don't think bedtime is supposed to be this complicated at this point, I must be doing something wrong. But I digress. Those chicks work their way right down deep into your heart. I wish you luck today! You are not alone! Let us know how it goes!

 

[lazy gardener]

Tom, I just read your thread. I have a suggestion to make tonight go much easier for you and your chicks. Not so sure about the wife. What you need is a camp mattress and a sleeping bag. Those camp mattresses come in various styles. There's the air mattress. You get a bit of pulmonary therapy as you blow it up. It is comfortable to sleep on for about 2 hours, until the air leaks out of the valve. Then, there is the foam pad. Varying in thickness from 1/2" to 2" and with varying density. Those are comfortable to sleep on as long as you don't have hip joints, knee joints, or any bones between them. Then, there's the hybrid. It is a foam core, encased in an air tight plastic sleeve. You do your pulmonary therapy, and add as much air as you think you need. Kind of like one of those highly expensive sleep number beds. Don't add enough air, and your various joints come in contact with the cold lumpy surface you are sleeping on. Add too much, and it's like trying to sleep on a hot dog. You end up hanging on for dear life, trying to stay in the middle, while the hot dog keeps trying to shoot out from under you to the right, and then to the left. Forget the option of rolling over. So, tonight, you can sleep in the coop with the chicks, and they will not suffer such great trauma by being forced to sleep alone in a cold dark space. Perhaps your wife will sleep better too, if you happen to be a snorer.

 

[TominWa]

Oh it crossed my mind, however....I am using or going to attempt to use...the deep liter method. Currently there is a good 4 inches of fir shavings covering the 48 sq ft floor. I can only assume that a mattress would not be required as I could always sort of scoop with my arms more fir shavings under myself if needed for comfort.

I am a bit hesitant though. They will most probably seek warmth and as I am a heavy sleeper, could worm themselves into my sleeping bag. Creating yet another problem and habit to break them of.

No, the one way to do it proper would be to dress warmly and lay on top of the shavings with no covering. Sure, they could perch here and there on me, but it would be more natural.

An interesting idea for a thread though. I doubt the subject has been seriously studied.

 

[lazy gardener]

Knowing how willing our government is to sling money around, I'm sure you could land a sizeable grant to allow you to properly study the subject and report your findings. Perhaps you could come up with a nice little money making venture, offering chicks as toe warmers, and hand warmers for the many folks who go camping. Why buy those little chemical hand warmers, when it would be just as easy to tuck a chick in each pocket???

 

[TominWa]

Everything went great. Much pecking and jumping. They are moved! I converted and rebuilt from scratch an old greenhouse that hasn't been used in 50 years but it had a good cement foundation. Still working on the run.......

Peckington Manor ....... a 5 star facility