is it too cold?

[preciouschick]

I have a 9 week old silky and a 6 week old silky who are getting to big to be in the brooder with all the hatchlings. It was 57 today so i put them out in the run with the other 2 silkys(who werent happy with their presence but got along) When the 2 went in the coop I put the other newbies in the door and closed it. The coop is 4 x 4 and air tight. The 2 roost at night. I went around to the big door and put the newbies in a nesting box. Temps tonight are suppose to be around 40. Is it too cold for them? They are feathered. I am a worry wart. They did go out the other day for the day but i brought them back in for the night. Will the temps be too cold or should i have done this more gradually?

 

[rosemarythyme]

They should be gradually introduced into cooler temperatures (and should've been more gradually introduced to your existing birds... from the sounds of it this is their first meeting?) You didn't mention what the temperature was in the brooder though, but if it's pretty close then it's not an issue. I'd imagine the 9 week old should be fine, and as long as the 6 week old is pretty feathered in it's probably ok too.

You said the coop is "air tight" - hope that means draft free and not no ventilation. Also in general chickens shouldn't be encouraged to sleep in nest boxes but some folks don't care about poop on their eggs so if that doesn't bother you, then I suppose that's fine if the other 2 won't allow them to roost at this time.

 

[preciouschick]

This was not their first meeting. The coop is draft free. The outside temp was about a 30° difference in the afternoon. I did go out and check on them and was going to bring them back inside but they felt warm. They slept together and looked cozy. I will see how they are when i get up. I am praying it wasnt too cold for them. I would feel awful if it goes bad.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If they were able to snuggle up together that'll help keep them warm, especially the younger one. I think they'll be fine.

 

[preciouschick]

If they were able to snuggle up together that'll help keep them warm, especially the younger one. I think they'll be fine.

they both did great through the night. Plus during the day they are in a run that is covered with roofing and plastic on the sides to block our northerly winds and keep out 90% of any rain we might get.
thank you for your help