Putting the chickens out overnight first time

[CityFolk]

I think the low will be no more than 55 or so and they are 3 weeks old now. If I close them in the coop do they need food and drink inside even if its too dark for them to see it? Will they just sleep?

 

[emilyweck]

I keep it in the coop for them at night. Sometimes I am not up as early as they are.....well, OK it's all the time I am not up as early as they are.

 

[Jenski]

If they are not fully feathered, 55 is too cold for the chicks unless you have a heat lamp available. They will quickly chill unless they have a lamp or a broody hen.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

[CityFolk]

I was wrong, the low is 64, is that warm enough?

 

[Chickenmaven]

Quote:
No, not really. Get a lamp out there. Three weeks is young!

 

[emilyweck]

Should be, but are you sure it won't get below that? Do you have a heat lamp?

 

[CityFolk]

i just dont want the lamp to make it too hot, its 4x4x4 ft cube

 

[Tala]

Then use a lower wattage bulb and make sure to position it so the chicks can move away from it.

 

[CityFolk]

okay they are in there with food/drink/lamp

 

[desertgirl]

Keep us posted...I will be in your shoes next week, with lows in the 60s for my four week olds.

I'm already considering getting the sleeping bag out so I can keep an eye on them....