HI, I have six rhode island reds. They are about three weeks old and feathers coming in nicely. I started them in my garage in a brooder kit and two days ago moved them to the chicken with the brooder and lamp inside. At what point will it be ok to open the coop door during the day and let them into the run? The average temp is 60F getting down to 35-40 at night. Or should I just open it while i'm in there and let them play a bit or no? I don't feel they are getting much stimulus (spelling) all cooped up so to speak. Tell me your thoughts on this please? Thanx Dan
Three weeks is kind of young to be unsupervised. They might not have the sense to go back to the coop when they're cold. I have 3-6 week olds in a hutch in my coop and when they get to be six weeks and all feathered out, then they get to go out of the hutch and fend for themselves in the coop and run - there are plenty of hiding places for them to avoid getting picked on too much by the bigger girls. They'll have plenty of stimulus when they get old enough to keep themselves warm, I wouldn't worry about that.
I'm a bit overprotective, so no way do my girls get out until they are fully feathered. For stimulation, I read to them. Also, Game of Thrones is back on so they'd have plenty to do. Edit: Is the poll asking what we'd do at three weeks?
What are the conditions? It all depends on the conditions. A secure place where they can't get hurt or lost; yes. An open, unsecured, unsupervised place no.
And over pampered too. TV, with premium channels. At least their watching something that can help prepare them for the Game of the Pecking Order.
We have 4 Buff Orphington's that are 4 weeks. We started taking them out to the coop/run, all enclosed, two days ago. Still bringing them in at night. Not sure they would stay in the Coop all night. They love being out and in the larger space. This is our first go around with chickens. They are very curious and our dog is very protective. I do not leave them out, even in the enclosed coop/run when I can't supervise. Our days have been in the 80 - 90 but we just cooled back down to the 60's. Worried that might be too cool. They have a lot of feathers, looking like small chickens. Hope we are not introducing them to the outdoors too soon.
Mine started in my room, then stayed in my living room until they were about 8weeks old. They are outside in there coop now but I make sure they are inside the coop and close there door and then turn on the warming bulb. This are my first chickens so not sure if I did good. But when I check on them they look very comfy and they love sleeping in there pole looking outside.
I raise my biddies in their coop. I put the brooder cage in the coop leave the door open & use the Brinsea Eco 50 brooder for heat.
