Need help transitioning chicks to cold coop!

[Bubblingbrooks]

So, the downstairs crew is a little over 2 months old. Not quite half grown, but fully feathered.
The crawlspace stays at about 55 degrees.

Temps outside are still dipping to 20 below at night.

I have another broody hen on eggs, due in just under 3 weeks that are going to need the room.

How can I go about transitioning the older ones and their mama, to the coop in this weather?

 

[miss_thenorth]

Don't know how many you have, but I do know you mentioned having abathroom that could become a meat locker Maybe you could put the chickies in there and gradually make the bathroom cooler to cold and then put them out?

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

Don't know how many you have, but I do know you mentioned having abathroom that could become a meat locker Maybe you could put the chickies in there and gradually make the bathroom cooler to cold and then put them out?

That is in the fall usually. If I close it up right now, the pipes will freeze

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Can you put them out on "warm" days first, then increase their time out until they're outside full time w/ a heat lamp at night?

 

[justusnak]

At thier age, I would say they would be OK outside with a 60 watt bulb..at night, If they are in a draft free area. At 2 months old, mine are out at night without heat, of course the temps are only in the 30's here at night, with an occasional in the 20's.

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

Can you put them out on "warm" days first, then increase their time out until they're outside full time w/ a heat lamp at night?

Hmmm. I could put them on the front stoop where its warmer midday.

We have an extra large dog kennel that they could go into...

They are not used to being touched, so with a 4 foot ceiling in an 8'x8' room, catching 10 chickens will be lots of fun

 

[TanksHill]

That's what kids are for!!!

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

That's what kids are for!!!

I wish