can i keep day old chicks outside during the day with no heat source?

[featheredplanets]

My friend asked me to incubate 66 eggs for her, I’m assuming 40-50 will hatch, she wants me to keep them for 2/3 weeks. I’d prefer to keep them outside during the day. I would plan to do something like Justin Rhodes:

It’s averaging at 18c during the day with highs of 24c here.
Of course I know chicks need supplemental heat but I don’t see a heat source in Justin’s outdoor brooder. Does it hold that much heat that they don’t need extra heat through the day? Or am I just being stupid?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

@oldhenlikesdogs puts a five gallon bucket out with her chicks so that the sun warms the bucket and the chicks can go into it if they want to warm up.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My chicks do go out during the day if the temperatures are warm enough. 5 gallon buckets laid on their side will heat up in the sun and work as mini brooders. I always provide shade as well. I do put them back inside at night with their heat lamp for a few weeks if necessary.

With your numbers you may want to watch they don't pile and smother each other which they may do without additional heat for the first couple of weeks. Generally after 2 weeks chicks can regulate their body temperature better but they will still sleep close at night for warmth.

I haven't brooded more than about 25-30 at a time, so I'm unsure about piling with so many. The chicks in your pictures look to be past that 2 week mark. I don't think I would leave them out totally without heat until after that age and some feathers have come in.

This is my initial smaller set up. They move to a bigger fence if necessary in week or two. I move it daily to prevent manure build up.

 

[featheredplanets]

My chicks do go out during the day if the temperatures are warm enough. 5 gallon buckets laid on their side will heat up in the sun and work as mini brooders. I always provide shade as well. I do put them back inside at night with their heat lamp for a few weeks if necessary.

With your numbers you may want to watch they don't pile and smother each other which they may do without additional heat for the first couple of weeks. Generally after 2 weeks chicks can regulate their body temperature better but they will still sleep close at night for warmth.

I haven't brooded more than about 25-30 at a time, so I'm unsure about piling with so many. The chicks in your pictures look to be past that 2 week mark. I don't think I would leave them out totally without heat until after that age and some feathers have come in.

This is my initial smaller set up. They move to a bigger fence if necessary in week or two. I move it daily to prevent manure build up.

View attachment 1403397

Thank you for sharing your method. I may try it if it stays warm, and split however many chicks hatch into 2/3 groups to try and avoid any issues. They’d be outside from 9-6, then they’d be back inside under their lamp and mhp. Hopefully it will work out. Thanks again for your help and input