Nervous about leaving vents open

[Akennedy]

My 4 chicks are 10 weeks old. I only just got them this week...I’ve been so nervous about leaving their vents open. I know it’s safe to do so because we used hardware cloth on all openings and it is very secure. But I just keep worrying that it’s too windy... or predators will find a way in.... I know sooner or later it’s going to be be so warm at night that I’ll have no choice... but is it ok to hold out a little while longer until they’re a few weeks older!? Lol

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Stick your head in there and see if it's stuffy or not. I open and close ventilation based on what's going on for that day or night.

 

[Akennedy]

Good idea!!!!

 

[Doc7]

If it is covered with hardware cloth I would uninstall the vents, just seems like a failure waiting to happen and ending up with sick, frostbitten, or dead chickens. Hardware cloth windows, they will be fine. I keep day old chicks outside with a heat pad (no lamp) in nights with lows in the 20s. You didn't go to effort of hardware cloth for nothing! I currently have chicks of 3 days old and chicks of 5 weeks old in wide open window (hardware cloth) setup.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I always leave ventilation open, because I worry about everything that comes with closing them and then not having adequate ventilation. In my small amount of experience, I feel like the more ventilation, the better, especially with fully feathered birds. I guess it really depends on your location and set up though. Best wishes to you and your flock.

Edited to add that I'm in NC and we have mild winters and HOT summers.

 

[Akennedy]

I always leave ventilation open, because I worry about everything that comes with closing them and then not having adequate ventilation. In my small amount of experience, I feel like the more ventilation, the better, especially with fully feathered birds. I guess it really depends on your location and set up though. Best wishes to you and your flock.

Edited to add that I'm in NC and we have mild winters and HOT summers.

I’m in Ohio... so we do get rather hot at times but cold also!

 

[Chickassan]

Agree with ventilation overcoming new chicken parent fears.
Remember your chicks are wearing what is basically your winter coat from head to toe so they need that breeze.
They'll be fine, relax ok?

 

[Akennedy]

Agree with ventilation overcoming new chicken parent fears.
Remember your chicks are wearing what is basically your winter coat from head to toe so they need that breeze.
They'll be fine, relax ok?

I will try!!!!!!!!

 

[RobertaD1]

I'm in Ohio too... if your coop is secure, leave the vents open. It's hard, I know.... but you will be fine! My brooder is in an open front coop and we have storms coming through tonite.... I know they will be just fine.

 

[Chickassan]

You can do it, lol!

I will try!!!!!!!!