Too cold? Help!

[c4wilson]

So we officially moved our four chickens out to the coop today. They are about 5 weeks and the weather has been great. However our remote thermometer is saying it is 53 in there (although it should be above 60). Should we add a lamp? My concern is that if I do it will be too hot.

They are not being loud or anything and are huddled a bit but not on top of each other.

Any advice?

Thank you!

 

[featherfriendNW]

Since it gets really cold at night and they are only 5 weeks, I would add a lamp especially if the coop is drafty or big. I put mine out today as well, they are 6 weeks and I added lamp. My coop is big and drafty. I also have pine shavings as bedding. I hope that helps

 

[c4wilson]

Thanks for the info! The thermometer now says 71 so I'm feeling much better!

 

[featherfriendNW]

Oh okay you must live in a warmer area.

 

[azygous]

If you two would fill in your profile info on your personal page, it shows up under your user name on your posts. That way we all can tell at a glance if you live in Japan, Florida, or Siberia. It makes a huge difference when we're dishing out advice to one another.

 

[c4wilson]

Sorry I'll fix that right now. I am a little befuddled though because it did end up being about 55 all night but they did not huddle up. Perhaps the thick pine shavings helped? Either way they are clearly much happier out there than in the brooder while it isnt huge it has a lot more room than the brooder did.

Thanks for the quick replies and help (Fixing profile now!)

 

[azygous]

Thanks for fixing the profile!

It sounds like your five-week olds are hardy and adjusting very well to their cooler environment. Not to worry! If they were having problems, you'd see them scrunched in a tight knot in the corner struggling to stay warm.

Heat needs vary from breed to breed, and chicks feather out at different rates, also. I would guess you kept their brooder temperature well regulated so as not to overheat them. That might account for quicker feathering and lower heat needs now.

Heat is more critical during the first week, anyway. These later week when they have most of their feathers by now, are far less critical. They can be very comfortable at temperatures we find to be tolerable.