Cackle surprise box/ grow out pen

[sierraboots]

So a couple difference topics here:
I successfully raised my first flock (and second) of chicks. They’re about 4-5 months old now. I put away my brooder and supplies then decided to order a Cackle surprise Box
With my first round it was still pretty cold when I put them outside at 7 weeks (live in Iowa, weather cleared then surprise.. had a really late winter) but they all did GREAT. With this round of my surprise box babies it’s summer and HOT. beings that it’s 90s during the day the next couple weeks can I put them out sooner than I did with my others?
Can I see some examples of your grow out (see but not touch) pens? I’m trying to decide the best way to house 43 more chicks while we update our coop to accommodate them + our current flock. I’m thinking we’ll probably leave this pen up as well for a backup coop for anyone that may need separated down the road.

We also got 3 turkeys (I think Royal Palm?) in our surprise box which we are completely new to. We’re thinking about letting them free range. Pros/cons of this? Pointers/tips?

 

[JMotuzick]

My last batch is 3 weeks on Monday. They didn’t like the hot plate from the get go. After 3 days they spent the night in a pile in the corner. Every night after that was the same. The hot plate came out after about day 6. At 2 weeks they moved outside to the grow out coop, locked in no time in the run. Just Thursday so at day 16 I have been letting them out for semi-supervised run time. They have all been growing and doing well. No losses. I’d say put them into a secure coop and they should be fine!

 

[sierraboots]

My last batch is 3 weeks on Monday. They didn’t like the hot plate from the get go. After 3 days they spent the night in a pile in the corner. Every night after that was the same. The hot plate came out after about day 6. At 2 weeks they moved outside to the grow out coop, locked in no time in the run. Just Thursday so at day 16 I have been letting them out for semi-supervised run time. They have all been growing and doing well. No losses. I’d say put them into a secure coop and they should be fine!

Mine were panting under the heat so I raised it up higher and they were still trying to get away from it. So I switched it to a normal bulb and they’re still not interested. I think I’ll put them out later this week. Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

I just got ten chicks from Cackle, and I'm using a brooder plate, not a heat lamp. I don't want chicks overheating! I think it will be much safer than a lamp, with the temp. range now that it's summer.
Mary