Totally New at This!

[stephaniemiko]

I have three babies (girls, I hope!), who are about 5 weeks. I got them at 1 week. I kept them with a heat lamp for 4 weeks (lowering the temperature gradually). They spend most of the day outside in their run, but they come in at dusk . . . back into their little cage. I'd like to have them outside full-time next week. I've been simulating sunset/sunrise in the room they are in, but I have a food question: in the sleeping space of their coop, there is no room for food. Right now they have access to food 24/7. Should I start to pull out their food so they get used to not having it overnight?

I tend to over-think things . . . I appreciate your input!!--Stephanie

 

[duckman14]

I wouldn't pull there food at night yet. At about 6 weeks or so they can make it threw the night without food but you wanna make sure there is water as soon as the suns up

 

[stephaniemiko]

Wait . . . What?? I have to get up at dawn?? I am so not farmer material. Yikes.

I'll keep them indoors at night for another week or two then. It's a little cold at night . . . it's in the low 60's at night, but it's warm during the day.

 

[duckman14]

By six weeks they should be pretty well feathered. Low 60's will be fine.
Do you have room in the coop to hang a small waterer?

 

[stephaniemiko]

I will see if I can rig up some water. It's an ark, so the upstairs is small. I should be able to hang something. Thanks for the idea! I'll keep them in at night for another week. They sleep in a really sweet little pile.