Is it time to move my chicks?

[Chris623]

This is my first batch of chickens. (I'm a converted "city boy".)

I went out to take care of the "girls" for the evening in their brooder. They are 3 weeks old today. There water-er was turned over...........as was their feeder. They were chirping up a storm and fighting each other. There are presently 23 chicks in a 110 Gallon water tub. I wanted to wait until they were 4 to 6 weeks old to move to their coop but am wondering if it's time right now. Days are in the 90's plus and the nights are in the 70's and 80's. Their new coop is 4' x 7', so they'd have a whole lot more space. Would it be okay, or the time, to move them over to the coop? As cool as the nights are, should I put a light out in the coop?

 

[Mahonri]

If there are no other birds in the coop and they can't get out, put them in the coop.

(Cover the nest boxes or they will get in and poop in them)

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree. Our temps. are about the same as yours and if they were my chicks, they'd be in the coop.

 

[Judy]

Yup, get them outdoors, and let them in their yard during the day. At 3 weeks, the formula says 75 degrees, but that is a maximum. They will cuddle for warmth if they need to, and will do so anyway, as a social thing. The fighting says they need the outdoors, need to peck and scratch and do the chicken thing.

I have a broody who has been raising chicks for a month. She took them outdoors from day one. They knew how to get warm if they needed to, but they have also been all over my yard from day one.

 

[raspeary]

I would say take 'em to the coop. They are probably crowded. They grow oh so fast.

 

[Chris623]

Okay, I'll take your accumulated opinions to heart!

I've just returned from Atwood's and have enough pine shavings for the Deep Litter method. I'll get out there today and get things ready for them. It's off to work I go!

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

i agree with mahonri and gritsar

 

[Chris623]

I spent several hours today doing the last little touches to finish everything and make the coop ready for the "girls". I'll move them in the morning. Don't have far to take them, but can't move them in their brooder so will have to transfer them to a cardboard box to make the move with as many as I can get into and keep in the box at once. May take several trips.

Wish me luck.

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Luck!!

 

[California Ducken]

Maby I missed it....are they fully feathered?
I was always told that you need to wait until they are fully feathered until you put them out.
Are they a standard or banty breed?


Good Luck with your chickies!