Mixed Age Chicks ... When can they go in the coop?

[WendyHTN]

I have a mixed flock of chicks, ages 5 weeks to 2 weeks. They have been together for 2 weeks, so well integrated.
I'm in Middle TN, temps are ranging from upper 30s at night to low 50s during the day, we've had a few 80 degree days. Chicks are in the brooder in the garage. I am weaning them off the heat lamp, they should be off the lamp by next Friday and during the day I've been opening the garage door a crack so they are getting outside temps.
The 5 week Olds are heading toward being ready to move to the coop, I'm wondering if the younger ones can go a little early without the heat lamp.

 

[aart]

I'm wondering if the younger ones can go a little early without the heat lamp.

At 2 weeks 50°F is still pretty chilly.

 

[WendyHTN]

At 2 weeks 50°F is still pretty chilly.

Here's the forecast, I'm being conservative with the numbers I gave. I was thinking of making the move in a week, should I go 2?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd aim for putting them all out when the youngest are around 4 weeks, give or take. That'll give you time to gradually lower the temps in the brooding area as well in preparation of moving out.

 

[mldlm]

Anyone have any ideas on how to get chicks in the coop at dusk. This is only their fourth night out in the coop. Two nights, we waited it out and they went in on their own. The other two nights we had to put them in the coop. Tonight they really seemed restless and didn’t seem to want to go in (8pm). I checked all around inside to make sure there was nothing wrong in the coop. They are nearly six weeks old. The weather here is mid 70s at night. Am I just worried about nothing??? I feel like I need a routine…. They have access to the run and coop all day. Ideas? Thanks. I am attaching a pic of my four lovely girls and the coop I use.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Anyone have any ideas on how to get chicks in the coop at dusk. I am attaching a pic of my four lovely girls and the coop I use.

Did you make any alterations to your coop? It really needs more ventilation and natural light. If it's dark inside at sunset, the chicks can't see well enough to navigate and won't want to go in.

 

[mldlm]

We have solar powered fans on both ends of the apex of the roof and backyard lights that shine in the top vents. Do you think a little solar ligh5 might help?

 

[rosemarythyme]

We have solar powered fans on both ends of the apex of the roof and backyard lights that shine in the top vents. Do you think a little solar ligh5 might help?

You can try that, as long as you can have it on around dusk but can shut it off afterwards.

 

[MaAker]

I have a cheap battery run LED light that I got from Menards - I mounted it on the ceiling inside the coop. At dusk, I get the chickens to the run and turn the light on in the coop (they can see the light coming through the small coop door). It's worked everytime - so far! I have also used a flashlight to get them to the run - if I'm having issues getting them to go in. It works really well!

 

[mldlm]

So happy to add an UPDATE. Converted a shed into a coop and built on an attached run. Chicks are going in at dusk, no problems getting them in there now. Also, chicken Mathis REAL! I now have two more black Australorps and two Speckled Sussex that are now 2 and a half weeks and in my brooder waiting to join their “big sisters” in the big girl coop. Lol