Cold snap - are my 5.5 week old chickies safe?

[fuzzyfarmer]

Hey there, not sure if this is the right category but given that the news today says we're going to get a cold snap tomorrow with snow and below-freezing temperatures, I'm wondering if my 5-and-a-half week old Easter Eggers will be OK in their coop. They just moved in there a few days ago. They have their adult feathers except one who's got a small bald spot on her back (possible feather-picking, I'm keeping an eye on it). I made them an insulated sleeping cozy hut since their coop is huge and too big to heat from their body heat alone - it's basically an insulated coop within a coop, big enough for all 6 of them, with R-20 insulation on all sides except the floor. I also put their brooder heater in the cozy hut since they're borderline on the "full adult feathers" (you can transform it from "brooder" to "coop heater" by swapping the feet stands and flipping a switch - very convenient design! it's the store brand brooder from Tractor Supply, I like it a lot!)

Should I be worried, or will they be fine? I know adult chickens can take below freezing temperature but my precious babies are kinda borderline?

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have a thermometer in the brooder? It would probably be good to give them the option of some heat when the temps are that low. But they also need to be able to get away from the heat if they are too warm. I supplement heat for the first few days when I move my 6 week olds out in the coop, especially with freezing temps. Some do not supplement heat when chicks have their adult feathers. Be very sure to double hang any heat lamps securely, and take precautions since those are dangerous, and a source of coop fires. There are heat plates available that may be a little more safe.

 

[fuzzyfarmer]

Do you have a thermometer in the brooder? It would probably be good to give them the option of some heat when the temps are that low. But they also need to be able to get away from the heat if they are too warm. I supplement heat for the first few days when I move my 6 week olds out in the coop, especially with freezing temps. Some do not supplement heat when chicks have their adult feathers. Be very sure to double hang any heat lamps securely, and take precautions since those are dangerous, and a source of coop fires. There are heat plates available that may be a little more safe.

I do have a thermometer but it's not wireless so I have to go down and look at it. Their coop has been comfortable for them so far.

It is a heat plate style heater, and they have plenty of room to move away from it. The coop is a former shed, it's like 80 square feet inside and 8 feet tall. They have a variety of perches and whatnot to choose from.

 

[Eggcessive]

Heat plates are pretty safe. They will huddle up if they get too cold at that age. They do need overhead ventilation, but no direct drafts to keep warm. Good luck.