Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[LuckyChickenLover-]

When is the right time to move the chicks outside into the Eglu. I read that it was six weeks, but my chooks will be six weeks old tommorow but they're so small. They're quite well developed and everything, they're fully covered with feathers, but I still worry about them being cold at night.

 

*Sigh* Don't chickies grow up fast eh? It seems like only yesterday I took them home

[Redwing]

I'd start putting them out in the day on nice days and bring them in at night at least for a couple more weeks as the weather has chilled a bit over the last few days

[Lewis]

Try + wean them off heat + then as Tasha says, try them outside during the day

I think I put mine outside at 7 or 8 weeks, but was in a rush to, 'cos they were ruining the side passage!

[LuckyChickenLover-]

I'd start putting them out in the day on nice days and bring them in at night at least for a couple more weeks as the weather has chilled a bit over the last few days

 

Okay thanks Redwing

 

I agree with what you said about it the weather chilling over the past few days. I've been cold inside with a duvet , so I can't imagine what it would have been like for the chooks. I put lots of hay inside the Eglu though so that they can get used to snuggling down there when I put them out for the day.

[LuckyChickenLover-]

Try + wean them off heat + then as Tasha says, try them outside during the day

I think I put mine outside at 7 or 8 weeks, but was in a rush to, 'cos they were ruining the side passage!

 

Thanks Lewis

I took away their heat lamp - I didn't think they needed it anymore.

 

I agree with you about being in a rush to get them outside, mine are eating me out of house and home! They grow so fast!

[Egluntyne]

Hay isn't a good idea, Lucky. It can cause impacted crop if the chicks eat it, and may harbour parasites.

 

I'd try a different bedding material, such as Aubiose or wood shavings.

[LuckyChickenLover-]

Hay isn't a good idea, Lucky. It can cause impacted crop if the chicks eat it, and may harbour parasites.

 

I'd try a different bedding material, such as Aubiose or wood shavings.

 

Ooops, I meant to write straw, not hay. Is straw a problem?

 

If it is, I have plenty of woodshavings instead.

 

Thanks Egluntine

[Egluntyne]

Many do use straw, but I don't, for the same reasons. I'd use the shavings if I were you.

[LuckyChickenLover-]

Many do use straw, but I don't, for the same reasons. I'd use the shavings if I were you.

 

Okay. I'll go out and change the bedding now.

 

Thanks Egluntyne