Family moved my outside chicks while I was at work... I am so annoyed.

[AccioSarah]

I'm just looking to rant and be annoyed somewhere, because none of my family will listen to me about it...

My chicks are 2 weeks old, and were living in a makeshift brooder in my sister's room where they were safe from our determined cats. My sister and I were the ones doing most of the planning for them (well, okay. Me mostly, but since I'm moving out soon, she was learning everything too, and she was equally excited about the idea of chickens.)
I was called into work today, and apparently, when I was gone, my sister complained that the chicks smelled (I have asked her to clean the brooder MANY times, always to her saying she'll get to it. Then I would end up doing it every time) and so my Mother and older sister stuck them in the coop we've made with a heat lamp, and left them.

When I got home- I immediately went to check on them in my sisters room... only to discover them missing. Needless to say, I was very un-happy they did not even bother to look up whether or not this was okay, nor did they even attempt to call me at work.

It is 60 degrees outside right now with 12mph winds. and it will hit a low of 44 degrees tonight.

There are 2 windows in the coop- neither of which they successfully covered up. They put a board over one window... which slid off because of the wind.

I mean- I know they put one heat lamp out- but when I went to check on them, they were all huddled under it! They looked absolutely terrified! My Mom claims they were only out for a few hours... but who knows? I was gone since 11am...

Now they are in the garage- because I refused to leave them out there. They need to have more feathers before they live in that coop!!

Am I right? Or am I over-reacting?
I guess I'm just hoping someone will back me up...

 

[underground chickenman]

I'm with you kid. Forty-four degrees with wind and open windows is no match for a single heat lamp on 2-week old chicks. Keeping them in the garage is definitely an improvement. They should still be kept at about 85 degrees.

Good luck.

UGCM

 

[BantamHeart]

I agree...mine little guys are three weeks and still in my bedroom. They still need the brooder. I think what you are doing is just what they need! Good luck!

 

[MaggieRae]

I would be mad too. But of course, my chicks were my babies, my responsibility. I kept them away from the rest of the house, and took care of all their needs. No one messed with them unless directed to do so by me. We did have a special situation though.

On the other hand, it sounds like an honest, if careless, mistake. So long as they understand this, it's probably best to

and move on. Those chickens do seem fragile at times, but they really are hardy little creatures. I would give a good, informative

. Then enjoy your chicklets!

 

[silkiechicken]

Close the windows and they will be fine with one heat lamp. My whole bunch of babies are raised from day one in an outdoor brooder. I let them free roam at 3 weeks old with only a 100W bulb inside so they can go to if they feel cold. Here it is in the mid 40's as highs in the day, and mid 30's as lows in the night, and they all grow up just fine.

 

[WriterofWords]

Put your mother and sisters in there with a heat lamp tonight and ask if they are warm enough.

 

[MissJenny]

I would be mad too -- if this is your project (or even partially your project) then they need to consult you when such drastic changes are made. Further, if your sister is not willing or able to clean the brooder on a regular basis then her opinion need not count. I would bring these points to your parents. It was wreckless and irresponsible to move these babies at this time. Even a scant few hours being chilled is enough to seriously compromise the health of the chicks.

I am sorry this project is so frustrating for you.

Jenny

 

[chicktwit]

Chicks huddled under the heat lamp are cold. Have you got a thermometer in there? They need 95 the first week 90 the second week. 85 the third week. Definitely.

 

[AccioSarah]

Quote:
Exactly!! They are my babies! The only reason they weren't in my bedroom is because I am sharing it with my 6 year old sister (I have a lot of siblings...) and my Mom said that she didn't want the chicks to bother her.

I tried to tell them exactly why it couldn't happen after I brought them in... but with all the different sides arguing against me it turned into a huge fight. I've apologized (because they are at least in the warmer garage now) but they're still mad. I figure they can be mad- as long as the chicks are okay. They are my project, my priority.

And I don't think ANYONE will be complaining once those eggs come in... maybe I'll just eat them all myself.

 

[AccioSarah]

Thanks to everyone. I feel so much better now.
I'm sure it'll all work out... I checked their brooders temperature and it's nice and comfortable for them again. Thank goodness.


I just gave them some watermelon for the first time, gosh they're cute!!