At what nite time Temp do you put chics outside?

[buc]

I am about to put my first group of chics outside in a pen without a heat lamp, but I am wondering if I am going to loss some of my home hatched Silver Lace WY by putting them out too early.

At what night time temp should I be putting them out?

 

[nikkimay]

How old are they? Think about the 5 degree a week countdown from 95 degrees at birth.... I would make sure the babies are fully feathered, and slowly acclimate them to the weather.

Is it possible to put a heat lamp in the coop for them?

 

[buc]

They are fully feathered. I bought them 5 weeks ago.

As for the heat lamp, the answer is no.

 

[nikkimay]

At 5 weeks I wouldn't put my babies out - but i'm extra careful with them... I would find even a single loss unacceptable.

If it were me, i'd wait until they were at least 8 weeks old... and/or find a transitional place where they could have heat.

 

[buc]

Quote:
Thanks for the help.

Currently they are in my barn with the tractor, 4 wheeler and riding lawn mower. They are in a bi-level 8' x 4 ' cage with a red light heat lamp, they seem happy.