Moving chicks to coop

[SamCO]

Hi all! I have 8- 4 week old chicks that are in a pen in a basement bedroom. They are getting mostly feathered, though still some down too. Every time I open the door to the brooder they all fly/run out and are making a mess in the room. I'm hoping I can move them outdoors to their coop. The nights here still are down to about 30. I've been keeping the window open in their bedroom during the day, but its still been around 60. They don't hang out under the brooder plate much anymore, except when sleeping. The coop is about 7x10. I don't have the outdoor run predator proofed yet, so they would just be staying in the coop. It has two windows I can open during the day and close up at night and has vents up high and a ridge vent. Do you think it would be safe to move them out there with their brooder plate, and perhaps a box over it so they have a warm place to huddle at night? Any pointers?

Thank you!

 

[sourland]

I think your plan for moving them including the 'huddle box' would work great.

 

[tsperry88]

I have raised chicks in the coop, with a heat plate like you mentioned. As long as there are no drafts under the plate, it keeps them warm. They will pitch an absolute fit, the first couple times they sleep somewhere new. Move them in the morning and a day in the coop will help a bit. I got tired of the transition and now just set up a brooder in the coop.

 

[jreardon1918]

Where are you located? We are in SE Mass. Our day olds were moved to the run after having them for two days. They have a MHP and hardly use it. Temps have ranged from 30-70 F. They are feathering nicely. The MHP has been on the lowest setting since the second night outside. YMMV

 

[SamCO]

I am in Northern Colorado. Do you think it would be beneficial to put a blanket over the brooding plate? I'm so nervous to put them out, but it would be so much more space for them and so much less work for me. I'm sure I'll be checking on them several times during the night.

 

[tsperry88]

I would let them spend a few days in the coop and bring them back in several hours before dark each day. This will get them used to the coop. If your worried, do this for a couple weeks. Chickens DO NOT like changes to their evening routine at all. I also wouldn't let them in the run untill they have learned the coop is where they sleep. Maybe a week of sleeping there. It will save you trouble later.

 

[Percheron chick]

I am just down the road in Hudson. I kicked 50 5 week olds out without heat mid March. They are in a 3 sided loafing shed with huddle boxes. It snowed around day 4 and they were better than the hens with the white stuff.
Put them out. I would just go with the heat plate. The coop is plenty big for now. Start working on the run and then it's done they'll be ready to get outside and do some exploring.

 

[allameraucana]

Hi all! I have 8- 4 week old chicks that are in a pen in a basement bedroom. They are getting mostly feathered, though still some down too. Every time I open the door to the brooder they all fly/run out and are making a mess in the room. I'm hoping I can move them outdoors to their coop. The nights here still are down to about 30. I've been keeping the window open in their bedroom during the day, but its still been around 60. They don't hang out under the brooder plate much anymore, except when sleeping. The coop is about 7x10. I don't have the outdoor run predator proofed yet, so they would just be staying in the coop. It has two windows I can open during the day and close up at night and has vents up high and a ridge vent. Do you think it would be safe to move them out there with their brooder plate, and perhaps a box over it so they have a warm place to huddle at night? Any pointers?

Thank you!

I think your plan sounds great. Just think, if they were being raised by a mama hen, that is where they would be and they would go under her wing for warmth. I think it is totally fine as long as they have their heat source and are not susceptible to predators.

 

[jreardon1918]

Here is a picture of chicks that hatched around 4/6. So they are just about 3 weeks old. They sleep at night under the MHP. Last night the outdoor temp went down to 38F. This picture shows them playing on and around the MHP at 6:30am. Temp 39F. I did notice their water was empty. Got to pay more attention. Perhaps today they will get a bucket with Horizontal Nipples.

 

[SamCO]

Well tonight is the night. The chicks were out in the coop all day and were seeming quite comfy. Eating and drinking well, scratching and pecking, and walking under and around their heat plate so they know where it is. It is supposed to get down to around 40 tonight, but hoping the coop will be a little higher since it warmed up to 75 in there today. I sure hope I don't kill the little darlings and that they'll be all happy and chirpy in the morning.