Can I take them outside?

[Cheryl34]

Hi! I have 3 buff orpington chicks that are 9 days old today. It's about 85 degrees here in IL today and I was hoping to let them out for some fresh air. I have a pen thing to put them in. I just thought they might want to feel the grass on their little feet. Do you think it's okay?

 

[TwoCrows]

Absolutely! If momma hen had hatched them and it was a nice sunny day, they would be out for a nice day in the grass. Make sure they have plenty of shade and water. Bring out their food bowl also to give them some familiarity.

Keep it short on the first few field trips till they get used to the out of doors. Enjoy your new babies!

 

[5chicks4us]

It seems like the temp would be okay, but I would worry about the wind.

 

[Cheryl34]

There's just a slight breeze. Do you think they'll catch a chill? Never did I think I'd spend so much time worrying about chickens!

 

[TwoCrows]

Here in New Mexico the wind NEVER stops blowing. When I take my babies out for the first time each year, they sometimes will sneeze a bit from the wind, but they will stop the moment they get back in the brooder. It won't hurt 9 day olds.

As I mentioned, if momma hen had babies, they would be naturally living out of doors anyway. Just keep it short for today, maybe 15 mins and they will love you forever!

 

[Cheryl34]

Thanks so much! Now I just have to put my kids down for a nap so I can play with my chicks!!

 

[TwoCrows]

Make sure to keep an eye on them at all times and in an area that no predators from the skies or dogs from below can get them.

 

[Nhiawa]

:d