First night outside - worried about piling!

[SilverSpringChicks]

I have eight eight-week-old chicks who are spending their first night outside in their coop tonight. Three are silkies, five are “regular” chickens. One of the silkies is pretty small, but all are fully feathered. Temps are in the low 50s. They’ve been outside all this week all day in temps down to 30 to get them acclimated and did great. We made the coop - it’s draft free and ventilated. I just peeked in the window and don’t see any of them, so they must all be in the three nesting boxes, which are each 12x12. Now I’m afraid they’re piled up in there and suffocating each other. Is that a rational fear? Should I go check?

 

[21hens-incharge]

You can go check if you are worried. At 8 weeks they should be strong enough to wiggle out of any uncomfortable spots though.
Normally the only crushing or suffocating from piling happens in big groups of chicks that are under a week old.

 

[SilverSpringChicks]

That’s very helpful, thank you! I hesitate to check only because I sure they’ve built up some warmth in the coop that I’ll let out if I open the door. Crazy first time chicken mon here, could you tell?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Remember that having good ventilation means warm air rises and leaves the coop taking moisture with it. It is critical in preventing frostbite. The goal should not be to heat the coop but rather to give the birds a dry, draft free space to be.

That said, checking on them is fine.

 

[Aapomp831]

They’ll be fine!!! You’re just being an overly concerned mom - I get it! I also remember reading somewhere that silkies don’t always roost, that they prefer to sleep on the floor (don’t quote me on that though).

 

[SilverSpringChicks]

Good points, all - thank you so much. And good reminder on how the ventilation works. So checking on them won’t cause issues. I just might... maybe I will sleep better, if not the girls

 

[Tre3hugger]

I'm sure they are fine, but why not take a peak.

 

[RLockhart68]

They’ll be fine!!! You’re just being an overly concerned mom - I get it! I also remember reading somewhere that silkies don’t always roost, that they prefer to sleep on the floor (don’t quote me on that though).

My two silkie bantam girls (5 months old) agree with you. The only time they roost is if someone puts them on it. Even then they don't stay up long. Much prefer to snuggle in a corner on the floor at the back of the coop.

 

[ackie]

I personally would just go do a headcount. You will sleep easier confirming everyone is fine.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

Chickens know how to be Chickens and will be fine. You have done ALL the right things to ensure they are safe, warm and dry. Peak if it makes you feel better(it did me) but the real fun is watching them exit in the morning as they view their new world.