I have 12 chicks that are almost 3 weeks old. They have been in a brooder in my house, but they are clearly outgrowing it and need more space. They are my first, so I have no adult chickens to worry about. The coop is ready, but we are still finishing the run. It has been 60s/70s during the day and 40s/50s at night. Looking ahead, this weekend should be up to the 70s/80s and next week the nights will be closer to the 60s.
Am I okay to move them to the coop now if I keep them inside and continue to use a heat lamp? If so, should I carve out a section of the coop instead of giving them full access? Coop is roughly 6'x10'.
My other option would be to split them into two brooders and keep them in the house, but from what I've read it sounds like that may not be a great idea. I don't think I can build a big enough brooder to keep all of them together in the house.
I don't want to move them outside too soon if they can't handle it, but I don't want them unhappy from being too crowded.
What do you think?
Am I okay to move them to the coop now if I keep them inside and continue to use a heat lamp? If so, should I carve out a section of the coop instead of giving them full access? Coop is roughly 6'x10'.
My other option would be to split them into two brooders and keep them in the house, but from what I've read it sounds like that may not be a great idea. I don't think I can build a big enough brooder to keep all of them together in the house.
I don't want to move them outside too soon if they can't handle it, but I don't want them unhappy from being too crowded.
What do you think?
