Getting them ready for winter.

[chubby4chickens]

Our chicks are about 4 to 5 weeks old. We live in northwest Oklahoma and Temps are dropping to the mid 40s at night and mid 70s in the day. We have Colombian wyndottes, EASTER E's , barrEd rocks, buff orpington's, and light brahmas, all of them should be cold weather hardy, but I don't want to turn them loose outside until it's safe for them to survive. Is getting them this late in the year a rookie mustake?

 

[chickenweirdo1]

Great to have another poultry lover!

 

[chickenweirdo1]

I wouldn't say a rookie mistake but, i defiantly wouldn't get them this late again. 4-5 weeks they should have all their feathers and should be fine along as they do have all of their feathers.

 

[Jensownzoo]

You might think about providing a huddle box to help concentrate their body heat at night. Exposure to the cool temps will help them feather out quicker though. If you haven't started doing field trips outdoors to acclimate them, you may want to do that as well.