Moving new chicks from box to fenced-in coop and nesting box

[eldfort]

I'm new at this and have read threads but can't seem to find the answer to this question. My babies are under 6 weeks old, and older than 3 weeks old. When can I move them to the coop area from their lighted box and how do I do that? Also, how do I make them understand how to live in the nesting box at night? There is also a ramp to it. I'm worried they will get cold in the night if they don't go to the nesting box. Help please? Thanks!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

You don't actually want them in the nesting boxes, those should be for egg-laying only. Put them in the coop with a well-secured light in one corner at night if it is cool, and keep them closed in for the first 3-4 days. Usually once they get used to sleeping in the coop they will go back in on their own, although you may need to show them how to use the ramp.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

 

[eldfort]

Thanks! So, I can take them out of their little box and put the light in the box in the coop? Then turn them loose in the fenced in area, and at night put them in the box in the coop to sleep where the light is? What about food and water? I guess I should leave that in the big area where they hang out in the day time right? Thank you, I'm so new.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. You want to put the food and water where it is going to remain dry and where they will have access to it 24/7. You don't want to keep it in the run if they are going to be lock in the coop, what if something happened and they couldn't be let out first thing in the morning. It is better to be safe than sorry.

 

[eldfort]

Thanks! I appreciate your help.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.