Living Arrangements

[g0vtmule]

Passing the 4 week mark and the weather is getting warmer. We have been putting the chicks in the coop and run all last week, during the day, bringing them in at night. We figure the night temps will stabilize above 60 beginning SAT and we'll make the final transition to full time occupancy. Questions are pretty simple to validate what we are planning. Do we keep food and water in the coop at night? Keep the access door closed to the run? Put a night light outside the window?

We have been putting them in the coop in the morning and keeping them in there for about an hour before opening up access to the run. We have seen them go in and out during the day, but primary keep the food and water in the run - which is where they spend the vast majority of the day. Anything else to consider before making the final move? Thanks in advance

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi there. I keep water in my coop but we're in the desert and having access to that is crucial. No food though and I suggest not keeping any in the coop to avoid attracting rodents.

If you decide to use a light it should be in the coop to draw them inside at night. I don't suggest leaving it on all night, just until full dark.

Locking up or not is at your discretion. Are you concerned about night creatures like raccoons and possums? Can a cat get in?

As for temperature, it's more than warm enough. I've had 3 day old chicks in a brooder outside with overnight lows in the 30s.

Good luck with your flock!

 

[Peppercorngal]

I never put food or water in the coop. The chickens only go in there to lay eggs and sleep. They don't need water and food when they are asleep! I have 13 day old chicks outside now in a little coop on their own. They have a heat lamp that I turn on at night, but off during the day. Once they have the majority of their feathers they don't need a heat lamp anymore. I'm looking forward to that! Chickens cannot see in the dark. I suggest a night light in your coop to draw them in. If it gets dark they will not go in without a light, they will just gather together at the entry door and sleep on the ground! You are doing great, I bet they are cute! Here's my chicks in their little brooder coop!

 

[Doc7]

I keep food in coop (usually / I only covered my run a few weeks ago and now I have one feeder in coop and one in run - so the 7 week olds can eat in a little bit of relative peace plus the feeder is a line of sight blocker from the hens for their little”teenage corner”. water has always been out in the run for me.

I have never used a light. Some have. I always brood the coop so they are locked in for 14 days so I’ve never had an issue training chicks to sleep in there.

here is how I ramp train at 13-14 days old, just made this video yesterday: