Brooding outside with heat plate

[C Siena]

We used a MHP in a cage in the coop for 15 chicks. It was 50 with a couple of dips into high 40s. We had a lot of straw and they had body heat and they were about 4 weeks old. They all could not be under the MHP at the same time but with that many chicks, all worked out.

Next year, I will have them in the coop at 2 weeks old. A number of members here, raise the chicks outdoors (brooder/coop) from day 3.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would also advise to use the coop since you have it finished, and no adults to deal with - more secure, and you'll be homing them to the coop at the same time. Though personally I don't find it that difficult to get them to swap "home" locations when they're a little older if you want to use the tent for 1-2 weeks first.