When can I move my chicks to the outside coop?

[krm6600]

When can I move my chicks in the brooder to the actual coop? Also does anyone know where I could get a good coop that isn't to pricey? Thanks

 

[Fred's Hens]

Anytime.

A lot of folks brood in the coop or barn from day one. There's no magic to brooding indoors. Quickest way to get a coop, just about, is to buy a pre-assembled "lawn shed" building. Then, adapt it for your coop purposes. Not cheap, but usually quite sturdy.

 

[Queengoddess]

I usually wait until their wings are well feathered out and they are more agile and alert than when they are in the first couple weeks. I've moved mine outside as early as the end of the second week, but only in spring or summer when the weather isn't too cool, unless you're going to have a heat lamp in their coop. I've never had any problems this way.

Good luck.

 

[Wrigley62]

Check with moving companies, Snowmobile Dealers, Lawn Tractor Dealers. They use wooden crates for shipping. You maybe able to score a decent sized crate for free or a very small fee. It's worth a shot.
You can also check on Craigslist in the free section. Old used lumber. You don't have to be a carpenter.

Good Luck

 

[cknkids]

Ours are 4 weeks old and are going out as soon as the coop is ready. They’re currently spending their days out in a PVC hoop run we through together last weekend. For the coop, we’re repurposing a Little Tikes Playhouse our kids have out grown. Not sure it’ll be big enough in the long run but should do for a while depending on how many of the chicks are pullets; we aren’t zoned for roos.