Introducing chickens to coop

[xchelseareneex]

I also want to add that the run is still being worked on which is why I wanted to clarify if they needed to be in just the coop of if the coop & run were okay . I’ll probabky do both as I’m about to finish getting everything set up now. I was going to do hanging food/waterers but since they’re all different sizes I may not be able to. I’m also debating between an open tray waterer or one of the hydraters with the nipples. Anyone have experience with these?

 

[Ridgerunner]

The last ones were born on June 25 so they are almost 4 weeks old. Are they all ready to
Go outside in the coop together?

What are your temperatures, especially night-time lows? That is the key.

If you modify your profile to show your general location that can tell us a lot about which side of the equator you are on and maybe your general climate. That can help a lot on this type of question.

 

[xchelseareneex]

Sorry, I’m still new and wasn’t sure on how to do that! I’m in willow Spring, NC. Right now our lows are still around 65/70 at the lowest! Our days can be anywhere from 80 to high 90s right now.

 

[Mrs. K]

Well it might depend on your climate and weather, but yes, they are all ready to go. The earlier they get outside, the better. If they have been outside together, just get them in the coop. Check them a couple times a day the first day or two.

In my opinion, separating birds causes more problems than it solves. Most brooder are small, and chicks do not get adequate exercise in them. I am glad you are letting them outside. It is good for them, fresh air, space and sunshine. I keep mine for a week -10 days in the brooder. My last set of chicks were in March. You will be able to tell, they will be happier in the coop....unless you have them separated from the older birds, then there could be problems of integration but not from the chicks too young.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

If you have decent ventilation in your coop, and it's shaded, I would move them all out and leave them in coop until run is done(motivation).
Put a thermometer in the coop and see how hot it gets in there during the day.

Just put the waterers at the height for the smallest, put it on a paver block so it stays level and stable to avoid spills in coop.

Switching to nipples can be tricky, some pick it up right away and other take longer.
Not good to try and switch over to nipples when temps are extreme and dehydration is more of a risk.
Vertical nipples can be leaky too, tho they can be easier for birds to use.
I don't recommend using them in a coop unless you put a shallow tray of marbles or rocks to catch the drips and provide 'dry' footing.
Horizontal nipple are less messy, but harder for littles to use, but easier to provide a step for smaller birds. I could go on and on.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sorry, I’m still new and wasn’t sure on how to do that! I’m in willow Spring, NC. Right now our lows are still around 65/70 at the lowest! Our days can be anywhere from 80 to high 90s right now.

The four-week-olds are ready in those temperatures. I agree, keep them together since they are doing well together.

 

[True Patriot]

Their ages range from 3 1/2 to 7 weeks old (give or take) and the biggest ones have been super ready but there was a delay in our coop. I’ve been giving them all outside time together everyday but I’m worried that if they all go in at once the smallest won’t be ready for the coop. They all seem pretty small still (especially compared to the big ones). The last ones were born on June 25 so they are almost 4 weeks old. Are they all ready to
Go outside in the coop together?

Keep in mind, when they're raised by a broody they'll most likely start in the coop. As long as they're big enough to not require extra heat and they're safe from predators they should be fine. As was noted earlier, keeping them together will reduce problems later.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have had good luck with water-en. I have used the horizontal nipple, the vertical nipple and an open black rubber bowl and the old fashioned galvanized water-er. With an open bowl either put a large rock in it. Or fill with smaller river rock, and fill with water to just cover the rocks. Helps weigh it down, and keep from spilling. I always feed and water outside, just a preference, but less messy.

Welcome, and good luck.

Mrs K

 

[xchelseareneex]

So I just wanted to update everyone!

All ten chickens spent their first night in the coop last night. They did great!! Now they are happily playing in the run/eating lots of bugs!! I’ve seen them all drink from the hydrator, but not all eat from the feeder yet. They are super happy chickens this morning! Thanks everyone for all the tips/advice. I’m glad I put them all out here at once!

 

[Mrs. K]

I knew they would be happier! Chickens need fresh air and space. Glad it went well. I have been doing this for years, and it is always a bit scary to,put them out.