Grow out Coop

[Newchickenlady2018]

Hey All,

I’m am very new to owning chickens. I thought I have done all my homework but I have a question.

I have 3 silkies that are about 2-3 months old. They are ready for a grow out coop but my question is.. what would that look like? It’s about in the 60’s here and the low in the 40’s they are still using a very low heat lamp at night.. the coop I have is outside and covered but also airy. What do I put them in until they are fully able to go in the coop? Right now they are in a large tote but is clearly growing out of it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum! Glad you found us!

At 8 weeks or older and with the lows at night in the 40's they do not need a heat lamp. I'd get rid of it.

What does a grow-out coop look like? It is something that provided protection from weather and predators. It should have good ventilation and provide decent wind protection. Since they are Silkies that cannot fly (thanks for that detail) you might want a low roost and maybe a ramp so they can get to the roost. Not all Silkies roost but a lot will if given the chance. If you move them out by 16 weeks you won't need a nest. Not that they are likely to start laying that young but some chickens do.

I like to have a bit of run with it that is next to the main run. That way all the chickens can get used to each other which helps with integration. It needs to be big enough for the chickens you put in it. I don't know how big the minimum size is for three Silkie chicks. Just don't crowd them.

There is no one way it has to look, it's basically a shelter. Good luck and once again

 

[ChristieB]

Late to the party here, if your 3 chicks are the only chooks you have then there’s no reason they can’t go straight into the main coop, keep them shut in a couple days before you let them out into the run. If you have older hens already then I agree with above. Personally I hatch in the summer so by 6-8 weeks they are outside full time.