transitioning chicks outside in the winter?

[ki4got]

StevenSRitchie, ok well, i don't have broodies, or a barn, so thanks for the info but it doesn't do me any good right now... and my breeds are marans, ee, and dorkings (and a few mutt bantams).

but like Fred's Hens said, sw virginia isn't that cold until mid december, and the chicks should be outside by then.

Dobieslady1, good luck on your coop... that's why i build myself, because i can't rely on someone else to do what i want :LOL:

Egghead_Jr, i'm LOL at your post, since i only ever use a 60 heat emmitter (ceramic, sold for reptile use), and the basement isn't an option like many mention, as it's finished walk-out basement (laundry comuters, pet birds' room) that we spend as much (or more) time in than we do upstairs (kitchen living room bedroom).

due to space issues, the incubators are in the bird room right now, but i plan on building a brooder/bator as soon as i find the right cabinet to use. i have been checking the habitat re store, and they have a couple i could make work, but it would take almost as much effort to refit as to build new... so i'll check again next week and if not then i start from scratch.

so basically I'm inclined to brood them inside and cut the temps as much as i can, then put them outside asap with maybe a heat lamp in the coop to start if they're not too happy and cut that off asap.

the current batch of chicks (now starting to lay) hatched in april, i had them outside by 4 weeks. their first night out was a doozy of a thunderstorm/rain/hail and they've been outside since. started with 13, 2 nasty roos went to freezer camp pretty quick. the rest are staying (but the sultan keeps pushing his luck).

 

[Ashley & Donna Dame]

I have a 3 month old roo and a 2 month old roo. They are easter egger and sex link mix. They are crowing and getting far too big for the brooder. We have heat in our outside coop but open the flap during the day for the chickens to go in and out. Do you think it will be ok to add them to the coop?

 

[Blooie]

I start mine outdoors when our temps are still in the 20s, dropping into the teens. It's still snowing and blowing here during what is normal "springtime chick season" time for others in the country. We've been known to get snow in June. We all do what works best for us in our situations and within our own personal comfort zones.

But I will just add this to what's been said: Chicks and chickens don't like change. They hate it. So don't panic and assume that if they huddle, they are freezing! They huddle for security as much as for warmth, and moving them really throws a monkey wrench at them. Even as adults, if you put a big box or something into the coop or run that they aren't used to, they'll run like their tail feathers are on fire for the opposite side and then pile together, screaming at this alien that's come in to eat them alive. They squawk and holler for a bit, then one or two will slink over to check it out....once they know it's okay, then they're fine. Putting chicks outside is a lot of change for them. Too much space, too many sounds, to many shifts in shadows, and <gasp> darkness when the sun goes down. All of those things can contribute to huddling behavior in addition to the cooler temperatures.

 

[Ashley & Donna Dame]

It's funny, I can see our chickens outside doing everything you described when you add something new into the coop. They are so ridiculous at times.

Thank you for your response. I feel better about possibly transitioning them outside. One of the roos can't stand completely up or stretch out because he got so big so fast. They both peck at the smaller birds ( silkies) and it's just getting to be too much. Plus being woken at 5:30 by crowing has gotten old too.

I appreciate your input. We live in Maine and it sounds like you have weather like we do.