Kicking 'em outta the house

[pushjerk]

Good day everyone!

New to the forum here. Introduced myself today over on the intro forum. Lots of info and threads already out there on this subject, but with so much info just thought I would start fresh with a unique thread.

Our little flock is about six weeks old. They have been brooding it up just fine, but they're getting on in size, seemingly fully feathered, and I'm ready for them to move out. No longer having the dust and dander in our spare bedroom will also be nice

Any way, for the seasoned chicken peeps out there (no pun intended - gosh that was like a double pun with easter a couple days away), is my choice a wise one?

The coop will be liveable in a couple of days. Here in Whidbey island WA current temps are about mid-high 40s at night, mid-high 50s during the day, and slowly warming up as Spring progresses.

My intention is to keep them cooped up for a few days to "coop train" them. They've been pretty spoiled with the warm temps in the house, and some supplemental heat lamp time at night. Would it be smart to put the heat lamp in the coop at least for night time, perhaps on a timer? Coop will have plenty of natural light during the day time.

Well any wise words, snide remarks, helpful comments would be appreciated.

Here is our crew last week at about five weeks. While we are at it, any gender guesses? Our hopes are four girls, any boys in there?

 

[ChickenMammX4]

They have more than enough feathers to be out. I wouldn't add supplemental heat in the coop.

 

[Blooie]

They have more than enough feathers to be out. I wouldn't add supplemental heat in the coop.

I totally agree. They will have a lot to get used to....darkness at night, strange environment and sounds, so they will huddle together. In our little human brains the first thing we think is "Oh, they're cold!!" Nope, not likely. Chicks and chickens don't like change, and when it happens they huddle as much for security as they do for warmth. They may be a little chillier than they are used to, but they're well feathered and your temps are mild. So go in, have yourself a glass of wine or a cold beer, put your feet up, and try to relax while they sort it all out. They'll hate you for a few days...they'll get over it!

This adjustment is exactly the reason I prefer to start my chicks outdoors in the run from the start. They are in a wire pen smack dab in the east center of the run, so the Bigs can wander around three sides of the brooder and they can all get used to each other. From the first day here, they go to sleep when the sun goes down and don't wake up until the sun comes up, sleeping peacefully all night through with no lights whatsoever. Integration is a snap - they are living with the Bigs, absolutely no heat source, no brooder, and no adjustment issues - all by the time they are 4 weeks old.

Good luck, and Welcome to BYC!

 

[pushjerk]

Thanks y'all for the very reassuring and super informative replies.

I'll be hard at work on their crib this weekend, perhaps we can evict these gals (and possibly one guy) by early next week.