Newbie questions

[Hulk4583]

Maybe I can get a plastic tote for now and transfer them

 

[Sunny-Side Up]

When is the best time to get chickens?

That all depends on you.
Whatever fits your schedule and needs works. However, I would personally say March is the prime time. Though I don't know where you live, so this is only for me. When you get them early in the year, most diseases haven't really started spreading yet, so your chicks are LESS (you still need to do your part) susceptible to disease. However, cold comes with it's bad things too. You'll have to keep them in the brooder longer, and you might get cold taking care of them. This is why I say March -- win, win!
But like I said, it's your choice. There are a few better things for some times, but for the most part it's your preference.
Also...

 

[Arla]

Thanks so much! I agree now march sounds great.

 

[bobbi-j]

Maybe I can get a plastic tote for now and transfer them

They'll outgrow a tote pretty quick. I'd leave them in the coop, and figure out a way to get it a little bit cooler.

I prefer to brood mine in the coop. There is no moving or adjustment period there. When they don't need heat, just take down the brooder and there they are. Although OP's coop looks small enough that they may not need to have a brooder in it.

How big is that coop in feet by feet, OP? And the run?

 

[Hulk4583]

Coop is real small I can measure it later when I'm home. I have the lamp as high as I can. And like I said daytime it is anywhere from 100 to 126 and night time it is from 85 to 95. And I actually took insulation off because it was hotter yet.....so I think I'll do a tote until they are 2 or 3 weeks then put them outside by that time they should tolerate more and maybe it will be warmer too instead of the 20's

 

[Foster's Freehold]

Tote inside sounds like a better idea. You can also keep better tabs on them and their food and water. They make a mess learning to eat. Nothing ever keeps them from making a mess. It is better if you use fermented or soaked feed though. They can't flip as much out.

When your weather breaks and they can go outside, don't forget to wean them from the heat lamp a little at a time. For example, on a pretty day, put them in the run of their coop for a while. If there is a warm night, say 50 or so, you can put them in their coop with a regular 100 watt bulb, just make sure they have dry bedding to huddle in.

Sounds like you are on a good path. Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

 

[Hulk4583]

One more question..I've been looking at those heating pads for coops....do they get hot enough to keep outside as the only heat source???

 

[Foster's Freehold]

In a coop like yours, yep. Take a look at the threads on Mama Broody Heating Pad. You build a sort of fake broody hen body out of a piece of woven wire or hardware cloth, put a towel over it, put the heating pad on it, put another towel over it and then tuck straw all around it for insulation.

 

[Hulk4583]

Ok I will. But that will be good for temps 20 and below?

 

[aart]

Given the size of your coop, I really think they'd be better off with a heat plate or heating pad brooder. It really doesn't look like there is enough space for them to get far enough away from the heat. Either that or get a lower watt bulb. What is the size of the bulb you have in there now?

Ditto Dat^^^
Wondering about ventilation too.