When Can They Go Into the Coop?

[Stacykins]

My chicken babies are just over three weeks old. They are already basically fully feathered and can even fly vertically up to three feet.

This is the ten day weather forecast for the area . The reason I ask is because most people who have been answered live in the southern states. I haven't really seen an answer for a northerner at all. If it is too cold, could I provide them temporary heat in the form of a heat lamp, and if so, for how long should I run it, on a timer for just the night hours?

 

[AlienChick]

You can move them to the coop and provide the heat lamp in one corner for them to keep warm should the temps dip too low.

 

[Nicole01]

My youngest were 4 weeks in the coop. I had the lamp on twice. Our coop is insulated, so it's pretty warm in there. The chickens do give off body heat.

 

[Stacykins]

I know they give off body heat, but I wasn't sure if it was sufficient enough for the nighttime temperatures. But, I am looking forward to moving them out! They are in a large brooder, but just need more room to fly and jump around! I give them time out the brooder and they'll run around the entire room. When it comes time to put 'em back, it is like herding cats, near impossible!

 

[mcf3kids]

I'm in NH and moved my 22 chicks out to their coop at 3 weeks old (1 week ago). It has been dipping into the 40's at night and our coop is not staying as warm as I would have hoped 58 the other morning so I got a second heat lamp in there to keep it warm enough under the light for them. They are all doing great so I guess so far so good. Good luck with your gals!