New chicken momma TN

[Silkie_Momma]

New chicken momma of 7 total

I have 3 silkies and a polish all about 12 weeks of age. 1 barred rock rooster about 2 years old and 2 barnyard mix hens around 1.5 years old

Could anyone plz help me?

Im trying to figure out how to transition them outside? They have been inside my home.
Also, how do I tell if they are hens or roosters??
Thank you, Tara

 

[BoundlessLove]

Welcome to BYC, Tara!
For gender ID, BYC has a thread where you can post pics of your chicken/s in question. Post Here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/what-breed-or-gender-is-this.15/

 

[BoundlessLove]

As Silkies are a little more fragile with temps, I will tag @Debbie292d
for advice on transitioning to outside.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. I did have a tractor my silkie spent days in. The coop was rainy day or nighttime.

 

[pnw_urban_chix]

Welcome to BYC! I transferred my chicks from the brooder to outside by: first moving them at night to the enclosed coop section of my small chicken coop with a heater and food and water; once they are used to that open the door to the run and let them adventure into it, and once they are older and ready to integrate with my adult chickens, they get moved into the main coop. (Just my personal experience but hope this helps!) And once again, welcome to BYC and feel free to post any questions that you have!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello Tara, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

Are all the birds living inside now? Or just the pullets/cockerels? Are you asking for integration advice or literally just moving them from inside to outdoors?

If you are moving the entire flock, just get them out. As long as you keep them in a very well ventilated, properly sized coop with lots of fluffy dry bedding and protection from direct drafts on them when roosted, they should be fine. For the first week after the move, I would alternate between electrolyte/probiotic water and plain fresh water to help them with the stress. Then just switch to plain fresh water.

 

[muddy75]

 

[Bsmac]

Hello! Welcome to BYC! Some great advice has been given! Best of luck!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC, Tara!

 

[N F C]

Hi Tara, you've received some good advice, hope that answers your question. Thanks for joining us!