Noisy? Bored? Cramped?

[FeatherAndBloom]

Hey all! Thanks in advance for any replies and ideas. First time chick raising. Currently I have 13 3-4 week old chicks in our 2x6 stock tank brooder inside our basement, and am planning to move them as soon as the younger ones hit 4/4.5 weeks and have more feathers. I thought they’d make it longer with just under 1 sq ft per bird but that’s proving challenging (especially since food and water take up more space as they get older.) They have become a bit restless and I think cramped- very noisy! We are finalizing the coop outside (caulk, ventilation and metal roofing) and slowly adjusting the brooder temp down to make the transition less of a shock. Outside temps will be 30-40s overnight for another month or so and there’s no way they’ll last that long inside. Anything I can do in the meantime? Are some flocks just noisy? Temp and food and water are all available. We done a few supervised visits outside, and they enjoy the dirt clumps I bring them. They enjoy my company but still act like they want out when I visit them. Are they just ready for the great outdoors? Let me know if are any other factors I’ve missed or details that would help confirm that this is a variation of normal. Thanks!!!

 

[DobieLover]

Are they just ready for the great outdoors?

Yes. Finish brooding them out in their coop. Are you using a brooder plate or a heat lamp? If you are using a lamp, get a ceramic bulb that does not emit light, just heat and super secure it so it cannot fall.

 

[FeatherAndBloom]

Yes. Finish brooding them out in their coop. Are you using a brooder plate or a heat lamp? If you are using a lamp, get a ceramic bulb that does not emit light, just heat and super secure it so it cannot fall.

Ok that’s a good idea! I was trying to figure out how to not buy a brooder plate just for the next 4 weeks. Thank you!!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Until coop is done I'd give them as much outside time as possible during the day. Yes chicks get bored. Even at a week old with 2 sq ft per chick mine find ways to cause trouble... it's amazing how much relief you get by finally letting them run around out of the brooder.

 

[FeatherAndBloom]

Until coop is done I'd give them as much outside time as possible during the day. Yes chicks get bored. Even at a week old with 2 sq ft per chick mine find ways to cause trouble... it's amazing how much relief you get by finally letting them run around out of the brooder.

i wish i was able to do more supervised outside time with them! It’s been a juggle but I’ve managed a little time for them when the weather has been nice. Urgently finishing the interior of the coop this weekend.

Can you weigh in on moving the older chickens first? Would that mess with the flock dynamics? The 3 week olds are still seeking the heat when it’s on (trying to gauge their response).

 

[rosemarythyme]

Can you weigh in on moving the older chickens first? Would that mess with the flock dynamics? The 3 week olds are still seeking the heat when it’s on (trying to gauge their response).

I'd move them all together, it'll be more comforting for them I think. They're close in age so there won't be a huge delay just because some are slightly younger. Plan the move out by the youngest/smallest bird and you should be fine.