moving 5 week chicks out to the coop??

[HorizonChickens]

Our girls are now 5 weeks old, gaining feathers daily, and working on their flying and acrobatic skills hourly it seems. The brood box seems to small for the 6 of them now, especially with all the activity. We have built a 4' X 8' coop (pics to come later) and would like to move them out to the coop this weekend. The coop has fully insulated walls, a cement floor, and is completely sealed from access to the outside. It is still chilly here in Indiana, so we will have a heat lamp on to maintain a steady 70-75 degree temperature for them as well. They will not be going outside of the coop, so no exposure to the wind or weather until they are fully feathered.

So, the question -- is it too early to move them out to the coop?

 

[Happy Chooks]

As long as you can keep the temperature stable for them, not a problem. I'd put shavings on top of the concete though.

 

[teach1rusl]

Totally agree on both counts. Be certain that your lamp is affixed securely out there; don't rely on the lamp's clamp.

 

[teach1rusl]

Oops...double post.

 

[HorizonChickens]

thanks guys-- yes, we will be using the deep litter method once the chicks are grown a bit more. For now a nice layer of shavings over the cement is planned. Oh and yes, we NEVER trust the clamps on the heat lamps - fire hazard for sure.

So out in the coop they will go this weekend-- so exciting!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Don't forget the pictures.

 

[Momo]

There's no reason not to let them outside, either, as long as they can get back in and warm up whenever they like. My 5 week olds spend a good chunk of their day out in the run.