Is it too cold for chicks???

[rubysmom]

My chicks are 8 weeks old and went out to the coop 2 days ago. Now temperatures are supposed to drop into the 30s tonight, is that too cold for them?
I have their heat lamp over the roost but is that enough? The coop is pretty large and doesn't seem to be staying that warm. The temp in the coop this morning was about 45 degrees. They are all large breed birds and I think they are "feathered out"?

Please help. I was up all night last night checking and worrying that they were too cold.

Thanks

 

[ebonykawai]

Mine are 5 weeks tomorrow and have been fine with a heat lamp. It was a low of 30 last night. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[coltsrox]

questioin mine are 7weekish and i was wondering if i put them out at 9 weeks without a heat lamp, would they be fine?

 

[rubysmom]

Are there signs too look for if they are too cold?

 

[ebonykawai]

Yes, huddling under the heat lamp and not venturing anywhere else.

 

[rubysmom]

Is there a specific temperature that it should be in the coop? How cold is too cold?
Last night they were definitely not venturing out from under the heat lamp

 

[MissPrissy]

Chicks are not fully feathered with mature feathers that will help them regulate their body temps until 8 - 10 weeks. For large breeds it can be as long as 12 weeks. Until then when the temps fall they will need a source of heat and a draft free area. While they are fragile they are a bit more hearty than we give them credit for. I am sure with the attn you are paying to their needs they will be fine in your coop with heat.

 

[rubysmom]

Thank you so much MissPrissy.
This site has been such an amazing resource for our family. Our 5 little chicks are very grateful to all you veteran chicken owners

 

[MissPrissy]

You are welcome!