How Warm Should Broody Mama & Chicks' Coop Be?

[khind]

The mama will take care of warming the chicks, there's absolutely no need to provide additional heat.

1-2" at the top isn't very much ventilation. As long as mama and babies have a draft free area they can choose to use if needed (i.e. the coop) and there's not unusual weather conditions such as a strong storm, mama should take care of things for you.

They could go up to the coop/roost, but I have it closed off for a few weeks to keep the chicks safe from having to climb a ramp. Last time Buffy raised a flock of four, it was closer to summer and hot, and I actually set up a 3-tiered ladder in the run that they slept on until they were big enough to join the adults. This hatch occurred so much earlier, which I like, but given how erratic temperatures have been, who knows how the weather will be while they grow up.

 

[khind]

Above freezing is good (so the water doesn't get covered with ice.)
Above freezing is warm enough for the chicks.
Small breezes are fine, but heavy wind is not.

I would try to block any heavy wind, but otherwise keep it as cool as possible, with as much ventilation as possible. So for Monday with a predicted 86 degrees, I would remove ALL the plastic.

As others have said, the mother hen will warm her chicks any time they need itI I can definitely set up blocks to strong or cold winds if they come, while keeping the place well ventilated

Sounds great. I can definitely set up cold wind breaks if needed while maintaining good ventilation in there. Thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I can definitely set up cold wind breaks if needed while maintaining good ventilation in there. Thanks!

Something as simple as a cardboard box on its side for the whole family to huddle in would work, since they don't have coop access. Or for a fancier windbreak with some insulation, bales of hay or straw flanking the section where they like to spend the night.