Can they go outside for a couple hours at 2 weeks old

[AngieDawn]

I’m a little frustrated because the weather here has been so much colder and wetter than usual. I’d love for my bored babies (2 weeks old this past Monday) to go out and play in their very secure mini coop for a couple house because it’s going to be sunny for the only day this week. It’s only going to be 55 degrees though. Sigh.

 

[Willow2253]

Can you provide heat for them in the run? Maybe move whatever heat source you’re using in the brooder out there with them? I started taking mine out at 3 weeks old, but they started looking a little chilly when the temp went below 60. I wouldn’t leave them out without some kind of heat source in any cooler than that for more than a short time.

 

[50-45-1]

My chicks are out of the house at 2 weeks.
Move your heat source with them, and turn it off during the warm parts of the day if you want.

 

[KrystinaMayKennedy]

I was wondering the same thing! Glad you asked!!

 

[AngieDawn]

Well I can put the heat source out there but it’s zip tied and secured 5 ways to sunday to make sure the babies didn’t knock it down.
I did not realize it until I watched the news but we are getting 20mph winds too so I guess they are just going to have to stay in

this just looked like the only chance toget them out for a while because it’s supposed to rain ever day for a week.

I’ll have to think about it. Sigh

 

[Erin Marie Elizabeth]

Well I can put the heat source out there but it’s zip tied and secured 5 ways to sunday to make sure the babies didn’t knock it down.
I did not realize it until I watched the news but we are getting 20mph winds too so I guess they are just going to have to stay in

this just looked like the only chance toget them out for a while because it’s supposed to rain ever day for a week.

I’ll have to think about it. Sigh

I just had to write and say that your post made me chuckle! The heat lamp being tied five ways to Sunday... I get it! We do the darndest things for these girls!

 

[nikolairapunzel]

Why dont you bring the outside in? With our first batch we had a turtle sandbox we brought in our garage and got soil, some sticks, sand, etc and made what we called a chicken playground. We put the chicks in and watched them play a few times a day. They love digging through the soil!

 

[AngieDawn]

They have a mirror and a sandbox and 2 roosts. I was just hoping to expand their horizons.
They are homeschooled and need socialization. We have 2 adult hens that I want to introduce them to.
Before I get bashed for the homeschool comment I homeschooled the oldest 4 kids all the way through (RN at hospital and coastie and BSA dance teaching for the county). It was just a joke.

 

[nikolairapunzel]

Lol. I homeschooled my 2 until 4rh grade so I get it

 

[AngieDawn]

Ok. Just took them out. I had another light socket and attached it to a big box pointing in with shavings so they had somewhere to go out of the wind. I used a picnic table to block the way the wind was coming from. I took them out and they all Huddled under the light and acted like I was torturing them. Even the big bad bold rooster (or very assertive hen) hid under the light. So it took me longer to bring them in and out and set up then they actually spent outside. Thanks for the help. I guess they will continue to be 24 hour a day house chickens for a couple more weeks.