Newbie Questions

[swift081702]

Our chicks are almost 3 weeks and we'd like to move them out to their new coop we've been working on. Are they too young? The temps are 80's during the day and 60's at night. Do we still need the brooder lamp in there?

Also, we've got the coop built and run is attached (check out our BYC Page). The chickens will be closed up at night, but allowed in the run during the day. What do we need inside the actual chicken house? Do we need to supply food and water inside, as well as in the run?

I'm trying to get everything all situated to move these guys out. I have Silkies hatching next week and need the space.

 

[gallusdomesticus]

Once your birds are mostly feathered, you can move them into the coop, three to four weeks sounds about right. They'll bunch up for heat in the evening.
I would not put food or water in the coop unless you want mice and rats. Chickens are essentially blind at night and will not need any midnight snacks. They'll just stay on their perches. Put food and water outside in the morning and they'll do just fine. Be sure to keep them on a starter ration and not switch to feed for laying chickens until they start to lay, around the 20-24 week point.

 

[Peeper7]

Boy I can attest to the need for space LOL, I have 50 chicks in my bathroom and 60 in the bators......

At 3 wks your chicks are not likely to be fully feathered. Their temp needs to stay around 80-85 around the clock. A good chill can do a lot of damage.
If the area is sunny, you can put them out in the daytime and bring them in at night, or else set up a brood lamp and avoid drafts -- pen them in at night.

Good luck!