Post Partum Chickie Depression?????

[TrixiePA]

First set of chickens (ever) in brand new coop, we finished it structurally this past weekend. Every time I look at it I feel like I should re enforce something else. Is it normal to be this nervous.... could I have post partum chickie depression? I know it's time to cut the strings so to speak.... they are bantams but are still too big for the brooder and I know they are dying to get out into the world. They are 5 weeks and the temps here are hi's 78's, lows 58's.


But so nervous... What is something common that folks have forgotton to do in the beginning that I'm probably forgetting?

I wasn't this nervous when I put my kids on the school bus the first day! Agh!

Also someone mentioned I should put them in the coop for a few days to help them learn it's home. That's food/water and no letting them out in the run?

Also my standards are 3 weeks and rowdy... with summer coming can I put them out sooner then 5 weeks?

Thanks T.

 

[Mahonri]

As long as you know they can't escape and they have plenty of food and water in the coop, leave them in there for a full week... so they know IT'S HOME!... then when you can watch them for an hour or so, open the pop door to the run. Close it each night.... next thing you know they'll be laying eggs for ya.

ETA: I'm assuming they'll be the only ones in the coop... close off the nest boxes!

 

[TrixiePA]

Thanks for that. I did it, I cut the apron string and put them in. Of course within an hour it stormed. But that weather has passed. I'm planning on leaving them in for the next few days. Right?

Next....I've been putting them in the yard in a temp fence system with some of the larger 3 weekers. 2 Australorps, 2 RIR, 2 EE's. These guys are larger than the bantys.

Do you think it's too early to put them out? The 3 weekers I mean?

I popped them into the coop too for now and they hang out on one side and the older ones have found a low roost to sit on.

I also have 2 Appenzellers, 3 millies and 2 silkies that are still in the brooders in the house. They are all 3 weekers too but they just don't seem ready. Maybe cause they are still kinda small. I also have 4 more less than week olders in another brooder.

I love having them in but have noticed a decrease in dust just putting out the other 10. WOW

Thanks. T

 

[shaggy]

mine started growing like crazy when i put mine outside in the coop

doubled in size between 3 weeks and 5 weeks