why can't I take them out of the brooder after a week or two?

[ryansacct22]

I'm putting my brooder- which is a Rubbermaid container- inside the coop. I have a heat lamp and temperature is dialed in.

My question is what is the point of keeping them in the brooder in the first place? Why can't I just put the heat lamp in the coop to provide them with a warm section, and let them run around?

Sorry if this is obvious...I'm new. Thanks!

 

[sourland]

You can, and many do - just reduce the area where the heater is so that they don't get chilled. Once they learn where the heat source is the space available to them can be increased.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

I agree. It should be fine.

 

[BantyChooks]

Do you have other adult birds? If so, they will be rather severely harassed and potentially even killed. If these are your only birds, depending on their age, the outdoor temperature, and size, then you may be able to skip the tote brooder stage.

 

[ryansacct22]

Nope these are my only birds. Thanks folks!

 

[BantyChooks]

Nope these are my only birds. Thanks folks!

How big is your coop? As long as the chicks can't get "lost" too far away from the heat lamp, I would consider it safe to let them remain in the coop rather than the tote.

 

[casportpony]

Is the coop rat proof? Rats like small chicks.

 

[3KillerBs]

I brooded in my 4'x4' coop without any problems.

I didn't pen them close to the heat source because it was late June in NC and over-heating was a greater risk than dangerous chilling. I did check them several times during the first few nights to make sure they were in the heat when it was cooler.

 

[sdm111]

Fire

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Fire

Yes. There is a fire risk using a heat lamp. Make sure it is secure and far away from anything that could possibly ignite. I went into my coop one morning and my lamp had been *almost* upset...that was the last time I used the lamp in the coop this year.