How to get ready to leave brooder

[Overthinker]

They all slept on the other side of the brooder last night and were real quiet so I guess they are ready to turn it off. I'll still slowly turn it down this week tho.

They are so small I'm not sure if they'll be able to go up the coop ramp in a couple weeks, maybe they'll be bigger by then or I may need to put a board on top of it with more rungs till they get bigger.

Geeze my lab was going crazy when I put them in the run, and I plan to free range so we'll see how that goes.

Wondering if maybe one of them will turn out to be a rooster and then they can chase him off. Ordered pullets but who knows

 

[Overthinker]

Outside time. I let an elm grow back for them, glad i did

 

[Overthinker]

Welp, got the run pretty much done (still needs some dirt and rocks and a few touches)

Got the kids outa the house and into their coop today. 6w old. Had the window open in their room for a week or two, no heating plate. I think they are ready

Thank you for the help!

 

[Overthinker]

Forgot to say it'll be like 38 tonight and next few nights but it's been colder last week or two with the window open. Next weekend is supposed to be 23*-26* ish

 

[bruceha2000]

Nice job on the coop and run, they'll be fine out there!

A suggestion and a question:
See where the hardware cloth is open at the corners of the run? You'll want to cover all that skirting with something or add some corner protection. I don't know if a skunk or raccoon can get under the bottom of the run wood but a weasel can.

Is there ventilation in the monitor? If not, I think you need to add a lot more. It is the MOST important thing (after predator proofing) in a coop, especially in the winter.

 

[Overthinker]

Thank you, I'll add some corner wire. Each leg of the coop has a half inch hole where i suck so I'll add some wire there too.

I put in a box with shavings so maybe if they get cold they'll be smart enough to cuddle in there?

Both sides have those two vents i stabled wire on

 

[Overthinker]

I can go outside tonight and listen, i guess if they are quiet they are okay

 

[Overthinker]

Oh and the very top, the peak, there is about a 1inch gap in wood where air can go straight up and out. I dont think anything could get in but heck maybe I'll add a tiny wire there just in case

 

[rosemarythyme]

Oh and the very top, the peak, there is about a 1inch gap in wood where air can go straight up and out. I dont think anything could get in but heck maybe I'll add a tiny wire there just in case

Anything over a 1/2" gap should be covered with wire, so best to add some as a precaution.

 

[bruceha2000]

Anything over a 1/2" gap should be covered with wire, so best to add some as a precaution.

Yep, those cute little stoats (very cute in their white winter coat, black nose, eyes and tail tip) can get through really small holes.