(6) 4 weeks old chicks in Southern California

[Chm1981]

Hi all! I have 6 4 week old chicks with some feathers and some down still. I’d like to move them to our covered back patio along with their heat plate and brooder (my kids can’t handle the dust with their breathing). The temps are mostly low 50’s-60’s at night and 60-80 in the day. They will be protected from predators and I read about placing a towel covered box in there too with their plate. Just looking for some solid advice since I’ve got about another 3/4 weeks til their coop bound and there is SO much out there opinion wise.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC. You can try putting them outside and see how they do.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Really no need for heat in those temperatures as long as the chicks are all healthy. Many of us in cooler climates would have chicks outside and off heat at that point. If it helps ease your mind wean them off heat the next couple of days indoors, then move them out.

Is the coop not going to be ready for 3-4 weeks or are you not ready to use it yet?

 

[Chm1981]

Really no need for heat in those temperatures as long as the chicks are all healthy. Many of us in cooler climates would have chicks outside and off heat at that point. If it helps ease your mind wean them off heat the next couple of days indoors, then move them out.

Is the coop not going to be ready for 3-4 weeks or are you not ready to use it yet?

Thank you! The coop is ready but has 2 girls in there hatched from my daughters school, they are about 3-ish weeks older and higher than the current chicks, so was waiting til they were closer in size before introducing them