Can they stay out, 48

[Zahboo]

I want to put my 5 week old chicks outside tonight. It's going to be 48. They are used to a warm brooder, but I know they can tough through more than given credit for. I'm sick and smelling chicken ain't helping.

 

[patyrdz]

Hi! I have had mine outside for about a week (5wks) here in Southern Pines. I just hung a light and if they get cold, they can go under the light. It is going to get down to 33 by Thursday they say.
Patty

 

[Zahboo]

Hopefully I will be better by then and can stand the smell. LOL.
I have a little 40 watt out there to help out. I don't want them to get sick, but I well.... am tired of chick smell. I've tryed everything, but 5 chicks stink.

 

[patyrdz]

I have my brooders on the screened porch and I cover them up with old blankets or sheets and just leave places where air can get in. In the day I lift up the blanket. I also cut a hole in the blanket that is layed over the wire top and put my light there. (just sitting the heat light on the wire top) They stay pretty warm, but I had to rig a way to raise the light because they were getting too hot in the day. I agree about the smell!

 

[Zahboo]

Yeah, but what's bad is on craigslist, some one from Southern pines has 4 dollar chicks about the age of mine... I'm tempted

I just got to get some money first

 

[SussexInSeattle]

Have you been gearing them up for this by shutting off their light at night while they have been living in your house?

 

[Zahboo]

I turned off the light in the big brooder last week. The house was always a decent temp. so they didn't need it. Also, during the day they went out to the tractor, but would always come back in.

 

[patyrdz]

The 10 bantams on Craigslist in Southern Pines are mine! LOL They are really pretty. Have you called me? I have the mixed chicks too!

 

[Zahboo]

Not yet lol. I am wondering how many. I have a coop big enough for 8 standards that is currently empty, so....

 

[ScoobyRoo]

Quote:
Just when do you shut of the light? Mine are almost 4 wks with a couple of 2wks. They are feathered out pretty good except the head. Yes, I agree they are stinky!!!

I have been putting them out on nice days. They are out now while I clean out the brooder but the temps have dropped. I do have a light on them so I'm trying to wait as long as I can before letting them back in the house.