Brooder temps? Moving chicks outside? Help?!

[noahsmom]

I have 5 Silkie chicks that are 2weeks old now and I'm ready to move them outside. I have a 125w light that has done great for them Inside, they have been very content with it. However my family is ready for them to go outside but wondering if this 125w bulb will be ok? They are in a plastic container with pine pellet bedding which I'm sure helps hold some warmth. My biggest concern is the next 3nights it will be down as low as 43 and during the day low to mid 60s. Now after that it will be back to higher temperatures but do you think a 125w bulb will be ok for them during the night? They don't have a huge container and only half their lid is open where the light will shine into the brooder. The container will be placed in our carport so not totally free of drafts but up against our house.
I'm so nervous to move them out! Our others we used a 250w but I think it may have been to warm.

 

[foreverlearning]

Silkies have a harder time keeping warm then feathered birds do. My honest advice is to make a draft free space around them. Walmart sells plain jane shower curtains for $2 and they work well to make a draft free space and hold in some heat if you have to move them outside. I personally would keep them inside during the cold spell. You can also put a heating pad under one side of the bin so they have warmth under them if they need it. Check on them often to make sure they are warm enough the first few hours.

 

[noahsmom]

I think I will take the advice and leave them in a few more days. I'm allergic to their pine bedding but love using it for bedding and my son is allergic to any birds so you can imagine our allergies! I keep them in a separate room with the door closed at all times and it helps just not completely. I will work on a way to help drafts to. I had many silkies and Rhode Island reds before so they had no issues keeping each other warm.

Thanks!!

 

[donrae]

I"d move them out.

I have 4 silkies about 2-3 weeks old that are with a broody hen out in the coop. They spend nights under momma, but I haven't seen them under her at all during the day the last 3-4 days.

I think in that small of a tub, you don't want any bigger a light or they won't be able to get away from it.