Moving chicks outside

[Jtp79]

weve had the chicks for 6 weeks and a day. They took two days to get to us from Mcmurray hatchery so I’m assuming they are right at 7 weeks old. They are fully feathered and growing like weeds.

We completed the coop and run today. Finally got the flight netting on, my gosh what a job. I was at tractor supply and mentioned to an employee that I was moving them outside today. Low here tonight is about 28 in middle
Tennessee. They’ve been in a pen in the basement with a momma heating pad but haven’t got under it in weeks. When I go down they may be on the complete opposite end of the pen. Even when sleeping. The employee urged me to not put them outside because they have been used to the 67 degrees that it stays in my basement. She said they could go into shock and all of them die. It’s going to warm up tomorrow but back down in the 30s tomorrow night. It’s going to be warmer every day from here on out supposedly. The coop is an 8 by 12 Amish built coop built
Like a storage shed.

Am I safe to move them or should I wait? The smell in the basement is getting pretty rough. Lol. If I should wait, how long should I?

 

[Relleoms]

I moved my girls out 2 weeks ago (3 weeks old at the time) and they were used to constant 68* indoor temperatures. Since then, the temps have ranged from 15*-45* and they have done just fine. But, I have kept their eco glow radiant heater with them and turn it on at night or when colder than freezing. They’ve used it, but not as much as I thought they would. I plan to remove all heat this week as it’s supposed to get into the 50’s-a heatwave! Best wishes!

 

[Jtp79]

Is a couple heat lamps in the coop enough for those 28 degree nights?

 

[Relleoms]

If you have electricity to the coop, I would add the MHP instead of a heat lamp. And add them when they have maximum warmth in the coop. My windows face south, so even though it’s been cold, they are out of the wind and have a place to sunbathe! I would not be comfortable with a heat lamp unless it’s your only option.

 

[Jtp79]

We have 21 chicks. Now that they have grown I don’t think all 21 could get under it even if they wanted to.

 

[Relleoms]

Oh wow, 21! They should be able to keep each other warm at this point, but maybe try the MHP during the day & see how they react. If they are cold, you could put up the heat lamp. I really think they’ll be fine, but you’ll just have to watch their behavior to decide what’s best. Seven weeks though is too old for your basement, imho!

 

[Relleoms]

If you use a heat lamp, make sure it’s poultry safe-no Teflon coating!

 

[Jtp79]

They are for sure not small anymore. Here are some pics. We were supposed to have 1 cuckoo maran rooster but we have two that look just alike. Lol and we’re not sure if they are roosters or not.

 

[Relleoms]

 

[Relleoms]

These are 2 of my olive eggers today, Hazel & Ginger. I’m pretty sure Ginger is a cockerel. They have spent the last two days mingling with the older girls but are still a bit hesitant to leave the coop for the run!