need your opinions please

[kyrose]

what is the best way to get birds that have been inside their whole lives ready to go outside in the cold?they are almost 4 mos. d'uccle roos.
thanks

 

[emys]

It is best to do it gradually, let them stay in a cooler midway point for a least a few days, like a garage or entryway.

 

[kyrose]

Quote:
unfortunately i dont have anything like that...

 

[emys]

Then shelter them from cold drafts, wind, give them plenty of bedding under their feet and extra grains/corn for the first few days and warm water at least 1x in the morning and 1 time in the afternoon/evening for same first days. monitor from there.

 

[kyrose]

Quote:
the area in the coop i have for them also has a heat lamp...

 

[emys]

That should mitigate the temperature drop then. Still good to give warm water and monitor a little closer than usual at first.

 

[kyrose]

Quote:
thanks ill try that

 

[Keri78]

I think I would just keep them in my garage at this point until the weather breaks...not too far off now! I guess they would still need a lamp. Once spring rolls around I would put them out and then nature will just ease them right into living outdoors without any stress. Or if you don't want to wait till Spring you could always put them out for the day(in milder temps) and then bring them in at night to roost? Just until Springtime! Just my 2 cents but I know how it feels to want chickens OUT of your house! Blessings, Keri

 

[kyrose]

Quote:
i dont have a garage,unfortunately.

 

[Keri78]

STINK! no garage...ok...back to plan B...mild weather days let them out and just bring them in at night. HTH, Blessings, Keri
PS...LOVE you roo avatar pic!!! Is he yours? BEAUTIFUL!!!