Outdoor ready?

[aart]

I used a heat lamp. I took them off it a few days ago. I only turn it on when it freezes. my coop 48'x72' I only have four birds. That should be plenty of space.

48 x 72 feet ...or inches?
Going to assume it's 48" x 72" or 4' x 6'.
Should be good for sleeping and laying, but not for any severe weather, a secure and weather proofed run would be a huge asset.

Are you ready with something to keep water thawed in the coop?
Not a great idea to have a heat lamp in a small coop.

I also assume you are in Oklahoma by your screen name?
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Mrs. K]

I don't use heated water - I do use black rubber bowls. You can stomp the ice out, if needed.

Birds will not die with a temperature change, we have widely fluctuating temperatures up here, and they do not seem to notice. I would start by letting them out of the garage, to peck around and scratch for a couple of hours each day. Letting them back in the garage at dark.

Then move them to the coop. I agree though, a run is in my opinion, essential. Sometimes you like to lock them in, but allow them outside. Sometimes you want to lock other animals out. It is important for birds to spend considerable time outside.

Mrs K

 

[OkieSLW]

48 x 72 feet ...or inches?
Going to assume it's 48" x 72" or 4' x 6'.
Should be good for sleeping and laying, but not for any severe weather, a secure and weather proofed run would be a huge asset.

Are you ready with something to keep water thawed in the coop?
Not a great idea to have a heat lamp in a small coop.

I also assume you are in Oklahoma by your screen name?
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1933331

I am only keeping them in there at night. And I am going to add a run to it so they can come and throughout the day. I built my coop with the "easy chicken coop" blueprints off this website, plus added insulation and upgraded the lumber. Out here we get pretty severe wind.

 

[aart]

I built my coop with the "easy chicken coop" blueprints off this website

This one?:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/over-easy-chicken-coop.66532/