1 week old chicks going outside?

[stevearino]

Hello! I just brought home 6 chicks today, 4 buff orpingtons and 2 rhode island reds. They are about 9 days old. For the moment, I have them in a plastic brooder box with a heat lamp, but I'd like to take them outside during the day. I know that during the night it can be too cold and other scary factors, but is there a problem with 1 week old chicks playing around on the ground during the day? Or is it too early for them?

I live in Arizona so the daytime is usually around 90-something anyways, and it is a dry-heat so not much humidity to wear them down.

Thanks for any advice or tips.

 

[Judy]

I'd certainly have them out during the day. They will love it. I raise them in the coop, anyway. You'd be surprised how well they will tolerate the lower temps, as long as they have a place to go warm up and get out of the wind when they feel the need. I've seen 3 week olds avoid the heat lamp in 70's night temps.

 

[Sjisty]

They will love to be outside during the day, if they have a secure area. I use a cage without the bottom for mine so they can scratch around in the dirt/grass but are safe from the older chickens or any predator.