- Thread starter
- #21
earthenlearner
Songster
- May 7, 2020
- 15
- 52
- 109
So,
Hullo Again...
Im wondering about how to assess chick behavior to ascertain if they are staying warm enough in the outside coop?
When I check on them in the morning they are all pretty much huddled in the warmest spot they can get to, but single layer, mostly side to side, with a bit of spacing around individuals positioned on the outer edge of the circle. I’m not noting any piling up upon one another although there are a few corners that I can’t visualize very well from my peekaboo window. Throughout the day yesterday they were pretty much adhering to the rule of thirds, with about a third feeding, a third near the light in the warm spot and a third spread out between the water and some of the little perches I’ve placed for their entertainment and exercise. They are definitely eating more than they were last week, so I’ve this morning I’ve set up an additional feeding station.
My remote thermometer was evidently having multiple issues, so I’m really not sure how cool their area was overnight. I have someone collecting a standard wall thermometer for me from town so I can get better info on the actual temperature .
Outside it is about 50F. We Are expecting 60 to 65° Fdays with 40 to 45°F nights For the next few weeks.
The chicks are 3 1/2 weeks old & what I presume is *mostly* feathered out. It’s amazing how fast those “grown-up feathers“ have come in since they moved outside five days ago!!!
I do have one heatlamp, 250w, red bulb, out there. I had been running it overnights only but did keep it on yesterday as ambient temperature didn’t get more than about 62°F
I have also created a “windbreak” Of sorts with one of those jumbo watermelon boxes from the local grocery and a large plastic tote both laid on their sides to face the heat lamp and protect somewhat from drafts of the main large door
We did construct with what I believe is ample ventilation, chicken wire covered 4 inch vent along shed angled roof line, large metal door frame covered in hardware mesh and an optional opening of screen covered 1x2ft window opposite door.
Now it’s pouring like its Oregon out there and as temps have dropped and are expected to stay cool, I’m concerned I might have too much ventilation. Also, I note the start of a small roof leak inside the coop!
My next priority is to get roof covered with a tarp I have on hand a couple feet larger than the roof. I’m wondering if I should snug the tarp down over the roof vent when I do??
Also I do have some large cardboard from a shipping container, that could be readily utilized to cover the door Along the inside and reduce draft there.
Any Feedback greatly appreciated!
Also, my thought was originally to post this question on one of the other forum threads.
But I’m not sure if it best belongs in “behaviors”, “coops“, or perhaps a different thread set entirely and would greatly appreciate guidance on those lines.
As always thanks for stopping to read ( This ridiculously long post
)and I hope you’re having I wonderful day in your neck of the woods!
Hullo Again...
Im wondering about how to assess chick behavior to ascertain if they are staying warm enough in the outside coop?
When I check on them in the morning they are all pretty much huddled in the warmest spot they can get to, but single layer, mostly side to side, with a bit of spacing around individuals positioned on the outer edge of the circle. I’m not noting any piling up upon one another although there are a few corners that I can’t visualize very well from my peekaboo window. Throughout the day yesterday they were pretty much adhering to the rule of thirds, with about a third feeding, a third near the light in the warm spot and a third spread out between the water and some of the little perches I’ve placed for their entertainment and exercise. They are definitely eating more than they were last week, so I’ve this morning I’ve set up an additional feeding station.
My remote thermometer was evidently having multiple issues, so I’m really not sure how cool their area was overnight. I have someone collecting a standard wall thermometer for me from town so I can get better info on the actual temperature .
Outside it is about 50F. We Are expecting 60 to 65° Fdays with 40 to 45°F nights For the next few weeks.
The chicks are 3 1/2 weeks old & what I presume is *mostly* feathered out. It’s amazing how fast those “grown-up feathers“ have come in since they moved outside five days ago!!!
I do have one heatlamp, 250w, red bulb, out there. I had been running it overnights only but did keep it on yesterday as ambient temperature didn’t get more than about 62°F
I have also created a “windbreak” Of sorts with one of those jumbo watermelon boxes from the local grocery and a large plastic tote both laid on their sides to face the heat lamp and protect somewhat from drafts of the main large door
We did construct with what I believe is ample ventilation, chicken wire covered 4 inch vent along shed angled roof line, large metal door frame covered in hardware mesh and an optional opening of screen covered 1x2ft window opposite door.
Now it’s pouring like its Oregon out there and as temps have dropped and are expected to stay cool, I’m concerned I might have too much ventilation. Also, I note the start of a small roof leak inside the coop!
My next priority is to get roof covered with a tarp I have on hand a couple feet larger than the roof. I’m wondering if I should snug the tarp down over the roof vent when I do??
Also I do have some large cardboard from a shipping container, that could be readily utilized to cover the door Along the inside and reduce draft there.
Any Feedback greatly appreciated!
Also, my thought was originally to post this question on one of the other forum threads.
But I’m not sure if it best belongs in “behaviors”, “coops“, or perhaps a different thread set entirely and would greatly appreciate guidance on those lines.
As always thanks for stopping to read ( This ridiculously long post
)and I hope you’re having I wonderful day in your neck of the woods!
