Need some reassurance - 6 weeks old + 19 degrees

[AnnPann]

I know, I know, I've read it here a thousand times from everyone else's questions. But I need to hear it just one more time...

7 chicks almost 6 weeks old. Their coop is draft-free but well ventilated. They have been outside in the run during the day in as low as 40s + wind/clouds and did fine (only brief warm-ups under brooder plate, if at all). Have been sleeping at night in the coop for a couple of weeks, with temps going down as low as upper 30s. They have brooder plate in the coop at night, but mostly just sleep next to it in a pile, on top of pine flakes.

This nighttime lows this weekend are 19. They'll be OK, right? Should I add anything extra for heat in the coop (like a towel over the brooder plate to hold in warmth?).

If I don't have someone here tell me specifically "they'll be fine," I'm pretty sure I'll start to doubt myself when the temps start dropping and haul them back into the garage for those nights!

 

[Coops Dad]

They'll be fine. Your chicks, specifically, will be fine. Truly.

 

[NatJ]

7 chicks almost 6 weeks old. Their coop is draft-free but well ventilated...Have been sleeping at night in the coop for a couple of weeks, with temps going down as low as upper 30s. They have brooder plate in the coop at night, but mostly just sleep next to it in a pile, on top of pine flakes.

This nighttime lows this weekend are 19. They'll be OK, right?

Given that information, yes they should be fine.

Should I add anything extra for heat in the coop (like a towel over the brooder plate to hold in warmth?).

I would not. Since they are familiar with the brooder plate in its current form, and since they usually do not sleep under it, they should have no trouble going under for extra warmth if they need it. If you change anything (like adding a towel), they may be scared away, or they may not be sure how to use it. And since they are NOT using it now, that means it is warmer than they need-- so it should still be warm enough when the temperature drops a bit more.

I would just leave things exactly the way they are.

And on those cold mornings, you can go look at where the chicks are sleeping. If they seem comfortable, and are not under the brooder plate, you can take it out at any time. (You might feel happier if you take it out the next time the weather gets warmer again, rather than taking it out during a cold snap.)

 

[AnnPann]

Given that information, yes they should be fine.


I would not. Since they are familiar with the brooder plate in its current form, and since they usually do not sleep under it, they should have no trouble going under for extra warmth if they need it. If you change anything (like adding a towel), they may be scared away, or they may not be sure how to use it. And since they are NOT using it now, that means it is warmer than they need-- so it should still be warm enough when the temperature drops a bit more.

I would just leave things exactly the way they are.

And on those cold mornings, you can go look at where the chicks are sleeping. If they seem comfortable, and are not under the brooder plate, you can take it out at any time. (You might feel happier if you take it out the next time the weather gets warmer again, rather than taking it out during a cold snap.)

Thank you! Good point on changing anything - I wouldn't want to scare them away from something they may need this weekend.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

This is what I rigged up this spring with same temps, same age, when they were to big to get under my MHP. I draped the Heathing Pad over this wood nest box for a huddle. There is nothing wrong with you wanting to sleep at night instead of worrying about them. So even though I'm a big advocate for "Less Heat," I wouldn't tell you to cut the heat entirely until you're comfortable that they're feathered and fine. Sounds like you're well ahead of the curve by having them in the coop, some people keep them in their houses way longer than I can even understand. They'll be fine

 

[Ryguy3684]

We had a Halloween hatch last year and by 4-5 weeks they slept on top of the heat plate, instead of under it, even when the temps were down in the 20's at night. As long as they are pretty well feathered in, all will be good.