3 week old chicks outside overnight? UPDATE on orig. post

[Lil'ChickFarm]

I think it matters more if they get used to lower temperatures gradually. So if their heat lamp keeps them at 80, then they won't get shocked in the colder air. Alot of people raise their chicks outside all year round and the heat lamp keeps them warm,but areas around it can be quite cool, but the chicks adjust to it.
Mine have been babied inside and when I put them out, I want them to be feathered good enough. I am hoping three to four weeks will be ok when our temps don't get below 70 at night.

 

[ashleylancaster]

My Mom Lives In Arkansas And All Of Chicks Are Born Out Side By Thier Moms And Stay Outside No Heat Lamp. The Only Reason She Brings Them In Is If They Lose Their Mom. Then She Puts Them Out When They Get Their Feathers In.

 

[Kharmel]

Bump for the update ;-)

 

[zookeeper15133]

 

[Kharmel]

They were absolutely fine. Went out again at midnight and no one looked cold so I went to bed and checked first thing this morning. They were all away from the heat lamp and running around chasing bugs and trying to fly

 

[zookeeper15133]

 

[Fred's Hens]

It causes me to smile. Good for you!!! I know that many here almost cannot believe chicks can be brooded anywhere but inside their house, but the reality is that the vast, vast majority of chicks are brooded outside in barns and sheds. As long as the "hot spot" is adequate and age appropriate in temp and there is not a draft issue, the ambient air temperature is irrelevant, really. I've brooded my last two batches of chicks in 30F ambient air temps in the garage or in the barn. Over 40 chicks and didn't lose a one.

There's no way my wife would ever allow the dust and smell in the house. No way.

 

[Kharmel]

Fred's Hens :

It causes me to smile. Good for you!!! I know that many here almost cannot believe chicks can be brooded anywhere but inside their house, but the reality is that the vast, vast majority of chicks are brooded outside in barns and sheds. As long as the "hot spot" is adequate and age appropriate in temp and there is not a draft issue, the ambient air temperature is irrelevant, really. I've brooded my last two batches of chicks in 30F ambient air temps in the garage or in the barn. Over 40 chicks and didn't lose a one.

There's no way my wife would ever allow the dust and smell in the house. No way.

Thank you

They are much happier outside and I'm enjoying my clean, non smelly house once again!!​

 

[Henriettaah]

They are telling me "mum we are hungry yes we are!" Ok kids don't worry!

Edit: sorry out this in the wrong thread, was meant to be in reply to mine

 

[Just some chicks]

Quote:

I guess I knew what the answer was, just hoping everyone would say "sure, they'll be fine" LOL. I'll wait another 2 or 3 weeks.

Well, they WILL be fine lol. If you have heat in the coop. A lot of ppl forget that chickens used to be wild. Yes, genetics and different breeding has changed that. My 3 week old Ayam Cemani and White Bresse have had a ceramic heat brooder and they stay far away from it. It’s at the lowest temp. I tried them outdoors in the enclosed coop with heat and they still prefer no heat. It gets to 50 at night. It all depends on how low you are able to get the temp in the house and still have them be ok. It’s hard to explain. Just provide them with a good heat source where all of them can get warm if need be. It’s trial and error as long as it’s safe.