I have 3 chicks who turned 8 weeks old a couple of days ago. They are feathered out, and (on-the-decrease-the-temp-5*-a-week scale) should be at 55*. So, after a wet and cool Spring, it finally started to warm up. I built a fence across the corner of the Big Girls run so that the little ones could be in proximity, but not in pecking range. I put a tarp over it, and a rubber tote on its side inside for shelter. And then I put them in there yesterday. Everything is fine - the Big Girls don't seem to be disturbed either by the chicks, or the blue tarp. The littlies, after the first panic, seem to appreciate having more room - about 15 sq. feet instead 6. But last night it was windy, and rainy, and in the low 40's. The forecast shows a cold front coming through, and it may get down to near freezing tomorrow night. I hung another tarp on the fence on the weather side to protect them somewhat from the wind and rain, but that won't help with the cold. This is only my second lot of chicks, and the first ones I could put directly into the coop, with a heat lamp. I can't do that this time. So my question is: do you think they'll be alright? And, if not, is it more stressful for them to be in the cold, or for me to catch them, and put them back in the brooder in the garage? I should admit here that I got them off to a bad start by not playing with them much as tiny chicks, and now they panic if I get too close. And, of course, with more room to run now they also have more room to avoid me if I get in there to catch, and move them. So the choice seems to be to have them suffer from the cold, or panic and possibly hurt themselves while avoiding me; as well as having to deal once again with a more confined (though warmer) space for a few days. It was rotten luck; this was probably the worst time I could have chosen to put them outside, but it shouldn't be this unsettled at this time of year in SW Oregon. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Cold front coming in - questions about 8 week old chicks
- Thread starter ORChick
- Start date
@thefunnyfarm
Power Conserver
do they come to food? If not maybe a night catch would be good, I would put them back in the brooder if they have no coop for protection. When they are asleep you should have no problems moving them.
justusnak
Almost Self-Reliant
I agree...even tho they may be stressed a little by catching them, I would get them back in the brooder. Near freezing is a bit too cold for little ones. This weather is CRAZY! I had to have a fire in the woodstove the other night. ITS MAY! JEESH!
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks so much for your replies. I hadn't even thought about catching them while sleeping - either worrry or guilt at putting them out without checking the weather must have frozen my mind :/. I had already dismissed out of hand the idea of putting a light out there, but when I ran that idea past DH, who *understands electricity* 
, he said it shouldn't be a problem. So, using a heavy duty extension cord, and a plastic bag to protect the connection from the weather, I've got a 250w bulb out there now. It seems like I am heating the night with it, but I'm sure that even raising the temp a little will be beneficial. Tonight it should still be in the 40's, the cold front doesn't come through till tomorrow (with snow in the hills around us! In May! And 40's is still too cold!). If it appears necessary I can still catch the little devils/sweethearts tomorrow after they are asleep. Thank you, all. Sometimes a little jab is needed to remind one of the obvious.
, he said it shouldn't be a problem. So, using a heavy duty extension cord, and a plastic bag to protect the connection from the weather, I've got a 250w bulb out there now. It seems like I am heating the night with it, but I'm sure that even raising the temp a little will be beneficial. Tonight it should still be in the 40's, the cold front doesn't come through till tomorrow (with snow in the hills around us! In May! And 40's is still too cold!). If it appears necessary I can still catch the little devils/sweethearts tomorrow after they are asleep. Thank you, all. Sometimes a little jab is needed to remind one of the obvious.
justusnak
Almost Self-Reliant
ORChick. Sometimes when we are faced with even a "small" delima...we get that "deer in the headlight look", standing there asking..What do I do...WHAT DO I DO??" Then, someone states the obvious....and we are like .." Oh yeah, thats it." Back on earth. Im sure the light will be just what they need, to keep them from smothering each other in the cold. With a tub and a tarp as well...it should trap some of the heat.- Thread starter
- #7
Justus, thank you, that is exactly what happened. It is so much easier to remain cool and collected (and intelligent! ) when faced with other people's crises.
BTW, they got through the night just fine, and enjoyed their hot porridge this morning. But of course tonight is when it is supposed to get really cold.
) when faced with other people's crises. BTW, they got through the night just fine, and enjoyed their hot porridge this morning. But of course tonight is when it is supposed to get really cold.
MorelCabin
Quilting Extraordinaire
With a light they will be more than fine. I usually have mine off the light at 3 old weeks up here in Northern Ontario, (usually the end of April) whether there is still frost at night or not, and there usually is. They end up being very healthy hardy birds I've never lost a chick to any kind of sickness.
I've never lost a chick to any kind of sickness.
