I brought my three chick home from the feed store at about one week old. They are 9-10 weeks now, have all their feathers. The coop has about nine square feet of usable floor space. The yard is about five by 10. I'm a backyard town "farmer". I took the heat lamp away about a week ago and instead of roosting they huddle in a corner on the screen below the roosts. They use the roosts during the day. I live in the upper Willamette Vally, Oregon. Nights get into the thirties, once in a while dip below freezing for a few hours early morning. These chicks are huddled together on the screen as soon as darkness falls with temps still in the forties. What gives?

Another question: I give them bread crumbled and they go for it. I give them bread in larger pieces and they aren't interested. I don't understand.

Terry Armstrong

Are they freezing at night? Do they get any other food besides bread?

The temp has not dipped below 32 (maybe not below 35) since I took the heat lamp away. As for food, they have chick starter before them at all times (and water). But they goble up crumbled bread. These are Ameraucana chickens. Thanks!

I'd call the farm extension service for your area and talk to a chicken person. Or maybe a farm animal vet.