New flock dilemma

[Mamilo]

Hi! I will finally be getting my first chickens in 2 weeks! However, I would like your opinion on the temperature of the farm where the pullets have been raised with the breeder, versus the temperature in my coop / run.

I will be getting 5 12-week old pullets ( 1 Speckled Sussex, 1 silver-penciled Plymouth Rock, 1 Golden Laced Wyandotte, 1 Americauna and 1 Blue Copper Marans) in two weeks. The breeder keeps the temperature at 73 degrees F in the farm. In the Montreal area, the average temp in 2 weeks will be 23 degrees F during the day and 12 degrees F during the night.

My coop (4 x 6 ft) is insulated (with ample ventilation in the soffits) and the chicken run (6 x 12 ft) is completely covered with tarp (with ventilation on the upper portion) and has a polycarbonate (Suntuf) roof. I will be adding 6 inches of wood shavings to the coop floor and I added wood pellet bedding to the coop run floor.

My question is: is it risky to get my pullets in 2 weeks with such a big temperature difference between the breeder and my coop?

I can always get a panel heater for the coop and or run portion, but I’m debating if I should wait a few extra weeks before bringing them home. As much as I’m excited about getting my pullets, the last thing I want is for them to suffer from the cold if they are not used to it.

Next fall/winter I am not planning on using heat. However, not sure what to do, considering the current temps.

Thank you for your input!

 

[sourland]

I'd wait a couple of weeks before getting them. Even though they are fully feathered, that's a significant temperature difference.

 

[azygous]

You have several options as you have already mentioned. It really doesn't matter which option you choose since chickens have far less problem adjusting to cooler temps than hotter temps.

Here is the main issue/rule you face. Chickens can handle any temperature as long as you expose them to it gradually instead of suddenly. Use that panel heater at night in the coop. Chickens are more vulnerable to cold temps at night when they aren't consuming calories. During the day, offer them food with extra carbs to increase metabolism, and they should be just fine. As for comfort, you can hang a heat lamp in the run so the temperature pampered lovelies can warm themselves if they feel chilled.

Yes, I do this for my flock even though they are well used to pretty cold temperatures.

 

[Mrs. K]

Mammals need acclimating to temperature, birds not so much. But in western SD we have wildly fluctuating temperatures most of the winter. Some day 60 degrees to below 0 a day or so later.

At twelve weeks, they should be fine. Do make sure they get water when you get them.