baby chicks

[newchickmamma]

just bought 3 chicks (2 silver laced wyandotte & a black australorp) about 2wks old from our local feed supply. We live in florida & it's summer & about 98 degrees outside! Isn't it ok to keep them outside in the coop. We left a box with bedding on the bottom, they seem fine but everyone says they should be in a brooder with a heat lamp? I could see if it were winter of course. At the feed store they were not under a heat lamp, although they were in an unairconditioned barnlike area. Any thoughts? The coop is in a well protected area.

 

[1Teacherchick]

The temperature should be 95 for newly hatched chicks, then lower by 5 degrees for each week after that. That temperature has to be maintained through the night as well, until they are fully feathered. So, for your little ones, they should be at least 85, even at night. Most people use a lamp, while providing a little shade as well, so the chicks can regulate their own temp. by going into the lighted or the shady area. We use a digital thermometer in the lighted area, then adjust the light as the temp changes during the day. You may need the lamp only at night. Please be careful how you mount it, as there is a danger of fire if it falls. For ideas, you can use the search box at the top of the page to see how others heat their chicks. Good luck!