New chicks

[poultrygeist]

My chicks are 1 month today. I'm in Jersey and it's getting colder, below 70 today! From what I've read 6 to 8 wks. is the time-line for putting the chicks out so to speak. I'm concerned that they like the brooder box too much and that they'll squawk like crazy when I put them out there the first time. What to do if they don't like their new condo?

 

[RAWR]

i would just leave them in there. they dont really have much of a choice, so they might as well learn to get used to it and like it. aint got much else for that

and congratz on your chicks turning 1 month

 

[Whirlwind]

If their new digs is bigger I bet they will like it just fine. More room to stretch their wings.

 

[poultrygeist]

So, just cold turkey and out they go?

 

[Whirlwind]

If they are fully feathered or you have a heat source {light} so they can get warm if they need to. Yea cold turkey. Mine always look like they love it. You will worry about it more than they will.

 

[Amethyste]

In my experience chickens are always...well... chicken about new changes

They wil be fine, they will gripe and complain for a while, but they will be ok

They just have to learn to accept lol

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Because I have a HUGE coop and HUGE stock tank brooder, I moved them out in the brooder and all at 6 wks old.

That was last spring, so I kept the red heat lamp on for them.

I built them a lower ladder type roost but they preferred to go into the stock tank to sleep for a month.

Then one day, they all desided on their own, it was time to sleep on the roost.

I kept them in the coop for 2 wks while I finished the run. When I opened the run door, they all went out and in on their own and then put themselves to bed on the roost from day one with no fear.

I think it helps to keep them locked up in the coop for awhile before you let them out in the run.

Good luck with your little ones.

 

[Amethyste]

Yup I agree. When I put my first flock out, they lived in the coop for over a week with the door closed before I would let them into the run.

That first night they actually went outisde they put themselves to bed

Not a problem ever since!!