5 week old chicks moving outside???

[BluebirdHomestead]

I live in Colorado. The weather can be very unpredictable, but it’s been pretty temperate lately. It is generally in the 20s at night. My youngest babies are 5 weeks old. I’d like to move them out of our workshop and into our outdoor coop at night with a sweeterheater. Will they be ok? I’m so tired of having them in our workshop but I’m also so worried about putting them outside.

 

[chickitychickity]

I have had five day old chicks and two day old ducks in my coop with a sweeter heater. Obviously kept separately from my other birds. I would do it again. I might wait until they are a week and half if it’s in the 20s but yours are already 5 weeks! The lows were around 35 degrees for me. The trick is thick bedding and to have the sweeter heater tilted so that one side is close enough for them to touch and the other side is higher. They like to lower the bedding beneath the heater and leave a little nest impression. My coop has windows but it’s dark where the chicks go. I turn a light on during the day so they know day from night. I think they will be just fine! In my area most people put their chicks out in the coop without heat around six weeks. But honestly don’t put them out there if you don’t feel comfortable. You don’t want to worry all night long!

 

[ValerieJ]

Lots of people on BYC put their chicks out at 5 weeks, and some sooner. I put mine out at 7 weeks this time, which is earlier than I normally do. I use the Sweeter Heater too and because it is radiant heat, they don't have to be able to touch it.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Lots of people on BYC put their chicks out at 5 weeks, and some sooner. I put mine out at 7 weeks this time, which is earlier than I normally do. I use the Sweeter Heater too and because it is radiant heat, they don't have to be able to touch it.

Yes!! You’re the one that turned me on to the sweeter heaters. I think in the next few days I’ll give it a go.

 

[ValerieJ]

Yes!! You’re the one that turned me on to the sweeter heaters. I think in the next few days I’ll give it a go.

I'm glad it's working for you. Let us know how the transition goes. I think the chicks are always happier once they can go outside and run around. Freedom!