2 week old babies outside.

[Chickymama18]

Hi! I am wondering about housing 2 week old chicks outside with a heat plate plugged in for them.
They are inside my living room now in a wood box where the sides are cardboard. I keep raising the cardboard but MAN they are jumpers!! It seems no matter how tall I make the cardboard sides they are crafty enough to get out. I have my front porch made into a chicken coop that I kept my older ladies on the winter before last. I'm thinking about securing it back up so they can't get out of the slats, putting their heat plate out there (there's a plug to plug it in) and letting them be outside. They seem to be growing out of their baby box sooner then I anticipated and I just want the best possible senerio for them. The temps during the day where I am are about 50 right now. Maybe I can put them out during the day but have them sleep inside still?? I just don't know what to do and need advice please and thank you very much!!

 

[sourland]

Given that you move the heating plate with them, this seems like a sound move to me. Also given that the area is secured against predation.

 

[Chickymama18]

Ok great. Thanks so much!!

 

[chickens really]

I'd build a wire top for the Brooder first.

 

[Chickymama18]

That's a great idea! Thank you!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes, you MUST have a cover for the brooder - don't assume the chicks can't jump out if you just raise the walls (they're quite amazingly good at getting on top of things).

As long as you can provide a predator safe, draft free spot outside, no reason they can't move outside at this point along with their heat plate.

 

[Chickymama18]

Perfect. Thanks so much for your response!!