5 week old chicks already in the run

[Suzilla Bean]

I've read so much about taking the chicks out of the brooder and have found conflicting information. My situation is as follows. I raised my 3 chicks in the coop--well insulated and draft free, using a Brinsea heater, which is on at night. Currently, the weather ranges from a high in the high 70s to mid 80s with a mild breeze while at night it gets into the low 60s. At five weeks, I've let the girls out into the run. I check on them close to hourly and thus far they seem fine. They run around, scratch and eat/poop. As of now, there are no runny noses or eyes. I have yet to hear a lot of sneezing or crying. Using the chicks as a barometer for their health, I am assuming that they are fine. However, I don't feel completely secure in my assumption. What are other signs that I need to check for in order to ensure that my girls are ok?

 

[Chickassan]

If they are eating, pooping and scratching you are good to go my friend.

 

[lazy gardener]

Is the top of the run covered? IMO, the only thing you need to be concerned about is that they are safe from predators, especially since they are still "pint sized". You will not see runny noses or eyes, unless they contract a respiratory infection. Chickens don't get colds. And they won't cry b/c they are having fun! Relax, and enjoy watching them grow up. I'm hoping that you are done using the Brinsea.

 

[Suzilla Bean]

Thank you.

If they are eating, pooping and scratching you are good to go my friend.

 

[Suzilla Bean]

Thank you.

Is the top of the run covered? IMO, the only thing you need to be concerned about is that they are safe from predators, especially since they are still "pint sized". You will not see runny noses or eyes, unless they contract a respiratory infection. Chickens don't get colds. And they won't cry b/c they are having fun! Relax, and enjoy watching them grow up. I'm hoping that you are done using the Brinsea.

 

[azygous]

Who cares what the "information" says, if what you're doing is producing active, healthy chicks, you're doing it right!

If you were doing it wrong, you would have noticed some dead chicks by now.

I wrote an article on outdoor brooding, spelling out all the many advantages. It's linked below. You might find some validation in it for what you've been doing.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine went out in the shed at 3 1/2 weeks with no more heat with temperatures similar to yours. They are going to be 5 weeks this coming week and are already going outside to do some tiny free ranging. If your chicks are busy they are fine. Sick chicks sit hunched up and don't participate with the others.