New mom

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View attachment 1689528 Wow, 8 weeks is a long time to keep them inside your house, the dust and dander becomes unbearable for me at about 4 weeks. Or are they staying a garage? It's still possible for them to go outside to a proper coop at a young age, especially if they're fully feathered. Some folks brood right in the coop even in freezing temps! As long as chicks have access to warmth if they need it, as well as cool air, they'll do just fine. Here are some other people's experiences if you're interested:
You Certainly Can Brood Chicks Outdoors
Start Raising Your Chicks Outdoors

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/help-chicks-arriving-soon-but-so-is-a-cold-front.1280091/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/too-many-chicks.1280327/#post-20636624
Good luck in your new chicken adventure!


I know I’ve been debating this for awhile. I’ve talked with a few neighbors and friends that have their own flock and they said it’s a good idea to keep the chicks in side since we are at super low temps, like -30 during the day and that’s without factoring in windchill
 
View attachment 1689527
View attachment 1689528 Wow, 8 weeks is a long time to keep them inside your house, the dust and dander becomes unbearable for me at about 4 weeks. Or are they staying a garage? It's still possible for them to go outside to a proper coop at a young age, especially if they're fully feathered. Some folks brood right in the coop even in freezing temps! As long as chicks have access to warmth if they need it, as well as cool air, they'll do just fine. Here are some other people's experiences if you're interested:
You Certainly Can Brood Chicks Outdoors
Start Raising Your Chicks Outdoors

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/help-chicks-arriving-soon-but-so-is-a-cold-front.1280091/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/too-many-chicks.1280327/#post-20636624
Good luck in your new chicken adventure!
Some areas of Montana get below freezing by 20 - 30 degrees. Yes they can slowly adapt them, but please it is better to be safe than sorry.
 
How do your chickens do in the winter? Do you keep an extra source of heat for them?
Chickens do just fine in the winter. Drafts on the chickens and lack of ventilation are the most harmful things during the cold weather.

My ventilation is inadequate in my big coop, but I keep a hygrometer in there to monitor it. Up until this winter, oddly enough, I've not had problems with frostbite. But they aren't too bad, even still. I've had that coop for about 9 years.

I use what amounts to the deep litter method in my coops, although it isn't as deep as I'd like it. But it helps with both moisture and warmth. I also don't have to clean it nearly as much. Helpful when it's -20 to -30 ish.

I have two windows that I keep open year round that are on the east side. At -30 below it never got below zero. Chickens generate an incredible amount of heat, but with that heat comes the moisture....

I hope that helps. Feel free to ask anything if you have questions!

ETA: It never got below zero, not freezing. Tired brain:oops:
 
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Some areas of Montana get below freezing by 20 - 30 degrees. Yes they can slowly adapt them, but please it is better to be safe than sorry.
Yes, I did provide links that include others who have successfully raised chicks outside in sub-freezing temps with the right setup, but that's only an option and you should do whatever you're comfortable with.
 

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