I feel like such a bad mommy!!!

[sonjab314]

We got the coop done today and I decided that my bigger babies were going to stay out there tonite. Well as we finished the coop it started raining and now its storming and I feel like such a bad mommy

They looked so tiny in the coop compared to their brooder. I made sure they have their heat source and realized their new "big girl" feeders were ready for them. I showed them the water and food. They were happy and eating when I left the coop but why do I still feel sooo bad?

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

It's empty brooder syndrome. I always miss them when they go, too. But they will be happier with all the extra space. Really.

 

[sonjab314]

I just went and checked on them for the first time. They were fine but I still feel sad. I think I'll be getting my exercise tonite

 

[Chickie Mamma]

Good Chickie Mommy

 

[ronikins]

I felt the same way when mine went out. They needed to be in a bigger space so the next step was the coop. ALOT bigger than the brooder, of course. They were happy but I still felt bad. Especially when it started storming and a deluge came. I went out to check on them when it was pouring and it was soooo loud in there because of the metal roof! I felt so bad for them. But, I tell ya, they are so much happier now. We finished puting up the wire for the run and they went out for the first time today. Sooo cute!

 

[sonjab314]

Those are some really cute babies you got there. I put mine outside today too. They love to scratch and they even played leap frog today. They are more entertaining than tv.

 

[HeatherLynn]

Just go ahead and get your flashlight ready. Trust me. Make sure the batteries are good too. It hurts like heck trying to check chicks with a lighter. really bad. Get that flashlight you will want to check them again and it will still be dark.

 

[sonjab314]

Well they made it through the night better than I did. I was a wreck but when I checked on them first thing this morning, they were just as happy as can be. Maybe tonite will be easier for me? My babies have grown up lol

 

[gryeyes]

I experienced the same Empty Brooder syndrome each time I put the "kids" out full time. It's one reason I got more chicks to fill it up again after this year's first Spring chicks feathered out fully and I put 'em out in their segregated coop.

And it's also one reason why I keep them inside until they are fully feathered, AND 8 weeks old. By 8 wks, I really need to get them outside, cannot justify keeping them inside any longer. That first night I never (and won't) get much sleep, either.

And it's another reason I got a lot of solar lighting in my back yard, so I won't kill myself tripping over or running into anything on the way to the coop!

 

[sonjab314]

I still have 9 babies in the brooder that are too small to go outside. But the ones I put out are my first baby chickens ever. But the brooder looks half empty. I put 11 out and still have 9 in. I miss having them all in the house. I'm just wondering what it will be like when they ALL go out. Maybe I will get a couple of brahmas then. I've been researching them. Is that sad or what?