Relocation & Lighting

[SelfAsylum]

I just bought my chickens last sat. Forgetting to double check their age I called TSC today asking for an age estimation. They had feathers on there wings when I bought them so they said they were 2-3 wks. I'm not sure if this was calculating in the week I've already had them so I'm going with 2-4 wks.

Ok, so after rambling (I'm good at that lol) I'm wondering when & what my next steps will be as they age. I have them inside right now in a big bedded box w/ their heat lamp on 24 hrs a day still. How long should I keep them inside or when should I start moving them out?

I was going to just make a bigger box pen in a perfect section in the back of my garage as their next upgrade, which has a door to the back of the garage that would be perfect eventually w/ a small opening to an outside pen. Does this sound good? I had planned on the light going out there as well. When should I start weening?

It may be a while still, I'm not sure, but I'm not looking forward to having an "empty nest" once I make the move lol. I really enjoy walking inside and taking turns holding them all. They are growing quite fond of us, as we them.

Sorry for the length. I'm new (to byc & chicks) and I'm full questions. : ) I've read a lot of threads and have learned a lot of good info, but still feel unsure with so much knowledge there is to know heh.

 

[Fierlin1182]

As long as the chicks have enough heat, you can already move them to the bigger pen if you like. You just have to be able to keep the temperature in there pretty high, as your chickens still sound pretty young.
If it's warm, chicks can start living without the light when they're 4 weeks old, if it's cooler (like 40-50F at nights) then wait till they're 6 weeks old. Chicks are surprisingly hardy. You might want to leave the light on at night for another couple of weeks after turning it off for the day, that is what we did...

Anyway, good luck!

 

[SelfAsylum]

Thanks for the info! ^_^ I appreciate the response. I will probably keep them inside for another couple weeks if they will let me lol. I need to make a wire top for the brooder though (am I using that term right in reference to their box home? lol). They fly to the edges here and there now, but they won't go any further yet, just back inside. It's been fun watching them grow and learn. = )

 

[what did I do]

I'd start turning the light off during the day and see how that goes. If they look cold turn the light back on. Once you have the light off for a few days it might be time to move them out to a warm coop. Good luck.