New Barred Rock in VA? Plans for winter?

[dthompson]

I am getting 15 Barred Rock Chicks next week. I am all set with my brooder and plans for a coop/chicken house. But I do not have electricity where my coop will be. I am not sure if I should keep the brooder in the garage to start with until the chicks get their feathers, or if it would be better for them to be on the back screened deck (with their heat-lamp at this stage of course) to help them acclimate to the fall temperatures.

Will I need to run electricity to the coop? Or is their a great alternative to this that will keep their water from freezing. Thoughts please.

 

[Fancypants1]

I would not add electricity to the coop (fire reasons) and you want them to be as cold hardy as you can. Keep them in the garage for as long as you can. Once they are feathered out completely (a good 8-12 weeks) remove the heat lamp and then you can move them to the porch. You might want to cover the screened in porch with clear vinyl for the winter.