I have 12 chicks in the brooder that are about 6 weeks old. They seem to be fully feathered out and are getting pretty big. When is it too soon to take them out of the brooder? I have more chicks getting ready to hatch in about 10 days and would like to use this brooder for them. I have a well made henhouse and it has plenty of bedding in it. The nights are averaging about 50 degrees or so right now. Is it too early? I don't know if the breed matters or not but there are 7 cochins and 5 silkies. Any help would be great. Thanks!
BantamRancher, What temperature are you brooding your birds? 6 weeks old is time enough to leave the brooder, but you do not want a sudden large temperature change, especially at night. Are you able to reduce their heat another 5 or 10 degrees before you move them, and the new chicks hatch? Can you hang an incandescent light over their sleeping corner, as the Silkies will not be roosting at all, and they all probably will prefer to sleep in a "pile" for another few weeks. CJR
By Cjeanr on Wednesday, March 20, 2002 - 11:36 pm: