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

[lotz2612]

Well....today is Lockdown day Very excited. My last hatch happened on a Thursday so I wasnt there to see them hatch, so this time, I have made sure that day 21/22 falls on a saturday/sunday so I know I'm at home to see them hatch.

 

Batch 1 are however now 4weeks old and are still in the brooder. Will they be ok if I put them outside this weekend? They will be in what we call the broody hen unit (historically we have put our broodies in it so they can hatch in peace). Its a wooden single story arc with plenty of pace for them to roam around in, but shelter for night or if it rains. I seem to be very protective of these 3 little chicks as they are my 1st batch out of an incy...am i being tooooooo cautious, or should i keep them inside for a bit longer?

[chick wiggle]

Aww good luck with seeing your next hatch hatch!

I think your 4 week olds will be fine outside but maybe bring them in on a night for another week or two? Depends on night time temperatures really.

I was sooooo protective over mine, i know exactly how you feel. How many do you have, if you have three or four then they will snuggle up together and keep each other warm.

[Griffin]

They should be gradually weaned off the heat by spending longer and longer periods outside. It's quite cold at night at the moment, I don't think they'd appreciate it too much.

[lotz2612]

I have 3 little bantams...2 black pekins and 1 gold partridge pekin...MJ, Peewee and Goldie. Think i will put them outside on the weekend and keep an eye on the weather forecast. Then I can get some decent pickies of them on their 1st trip out into the big wide world!

[Blue-DiamondChick07]

Its lockdown for me too! exciting isn't it

[lotz2612]

Very exciting...how many have you got in your inccy?

[Blue-DiamondChick07]

Just 2 now had alot of duds but the two are moving about etc

you?

[Egluntyne]

They should be gradually weaned off the heat by spending longer and longer periods outside. It's quite cold at night at the moment, I don't think they'd appreciate it too much.

 

I agree.

[lotz2612]

Just 2 now had alot of duds but the two are moving about etc

you?

 

I've got 16 in there...havnt candled them as I havnt been at home for the whole time...mum has been topping up the humidity every now and again, but she says she doesnt know what to look for when candling. Didnt candle them last time and 3 out of 4 arrived, so im hoping at least something will arrive!

[Blue-DiamondChick07]

I have another 15 in the R-COM which are due in a few weeks

still no signs of life impatient now all was well at the last candal

[lotz2612]

I'm getting impatient too! But at the same time i need another week to wean my 4week old chicks off the heat before i can put them outside.