Moving chicks to the coop during winter

[JRG]

I have 31, 3 1/2 week old chicks (silkies, layers, and guineas). I was hoping to move them to their coop, which is a 12X12' stall in our barn that has been predator proofed, when they are 4 weeks old. We are outside Nashville and nights have been as low as 28 degrees so far. Daytimes warm up nicely to 54+ degrees. Do you think the chicks would be ok if I make sure the bedding is deep and we hang a heat lamp? I also thought I would cover the windows that open to the inside of the barn with plastic to block drafts. Any thoughts on this? Do I need to wait a little longer? I could put them in the garage. I'm not sure if it's going to be much warmer than the barn; however.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.

JRG

 

[Pequena Bandada]

We moved our chicks to the coop when they were 4 weeks old (two weeks ago). I put in tons of pine shavings and hung two heat lamps and they've been fine. Actually, after the first few days I had to turn the 2nd heat lamp off during the day because the chicks were too hot. Our highs have been in the 40s and lows in the 20s. I think as long as you can block any drafts your chickies will be fine...

 

[abhaya]

I just moved mine out to the coop I live about 40 miles east of nashville and they didi great. They had mom with them but a heat lamp will do the job. Be very very very carefull with the heat lamp secure it very well. artifiacial heat can start fires in coops.

 

[JRG]

abhaya-

Oh great! How old are your chicks? I plan to hang my heat lamp with a chain from the top of the stall. I sure didn't want to rely on the clip! Maybe I'll start by hanging 2 of them.

Thanks for the info!
JRG