Over crowded a little???

[moodlymoo]

about 8-10 weeks some a bit older. Everyone has back wing, head feathers but the little cochin still has a little under fluff still. Im sure she will be fine Im just so over protective

 

[GardenGal]

Best wishes for a quick recovery

This is my first year with chickens too, so I've worried a lot about them as well. And learned SO much from everyone on BYC! I worried about the chickens being cold until someone pointed out they have little down jackets. They'll most likely bundle together if they get a little chilly. Fingers crossed for your little gang

 

[Grog]

Unless your temp is like 40 they should be ok

, but if your coop is closed you can put in a space heater for a bit

 

[GardenGal]

We got a ceramic reptile heater for just in case. It works really well - they screw into a light bulb socket, and pump out the heat. I've read that it's best for the birds to be acclimated to their climate, but I'm glad to have it in case we have a sudden cold snap.

 

[Grog]

Those are great!!! Just keep them away from dry bedding. I use 2 in my brooder they screw into clip lights that have a metal focuser on them. They last forever too.

 

[GardenGal]

For sure, Grog! It's mounted pretty high, with a screen around it to get the heat down.

 

[moodlymoo]

I went to the coop and put basketballs in the best boxes to stop them from going in but they still crowded in the same box with the ball so I waited till it was very dark and put everyone on the roost. No sooner did I turn around to pick up another chicken was the one I just put up running back to the nest box. How long is it going to take to teach these girls to sleep on the roost

 

[goldies99]

i would cardboard the opening right up...so there is no way for them to get in....it might take a week and then they will love it up there on the perch!

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
A few days to a few weeks depending on how long they've had the bad habit. I would just put some ply in front of the boxes to block them off completely. Then move them to the roosts in pitch black if you can so they can't see to jump off. Just keep up with it for their own good... and for the future of getting clean vs poop covered eggs.