Chicks going outside

[PoultryGirly]

Give me your honest opinion. If I put the chicks outside for tonight, do you think they would live? The temp ranges from 35-40 F. every night and the nights are getting warmer. My coop is also insulated, as I have said.

 

[Aschenfire]

I'd put them out there. At 4 weeks, they are pretty well feathered, and as long as they don't get wet and they have shelter, they will cuddle if they get chilly. Mine went out at about 4 weeks (maybe younger) and our nights were still 38-40 something. They lived and they were (and still are) housed in a very open wire run with one end tarped well. Not a sniffle, not a dead bird. They adapt very well...I am not one who believes in babying them as if they'll fall apart if they're not bubble wrapped. LOL!

 

[jeepguy982001]

mine are almost 3 wks they been outside for about 4 days if its below 60 i turn there heat lamp on which is usually at night. My temps are close to yours mid 60's during the day and in the 40's at night. its just a dog kennel with a tarp on top and around one corner for a wind break. Might not be perfect but its working fine for me.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Thanks everyone. I'll probably put them in the coop this week. And jeepguy982001, I also have a dog kennel. It works pretty well for me, too. This week, I'll keep them in the coop for the most part, and then next week they can come out at night. I just hope they'll be fine at night with 35-40 degree weather. They have most of their feathers. The reason I'm so worried is because this is the second time I've had to do this and the first time for 17 chicks!

 

[jeepguy982001]

yea i'm using mine like a grow out pen the big girls got the coop. Since you have 17 they can huddle up and stay pretty warm. I think we tend to not think their as tough as they really are. Anyways good luck and hope all goes well.

 

[PoultryGirly]

thanks, and my kennel/run is connected to a coop

 

[jeepguy982001]

My coop has its own run i put the kennel by the run so they can see each other then when their around the same size the go in the run with the coop.

 

[highpointfarm]

MY personal opinion (Like it even matter

) Is that the majority of backyard chicken owners pamper their birds far to much..... As long as you have more then 6 they will be fine.. (I say six because they can heat each other) If it gets below about 35, Just put a 100 w light in their..... they will be fine

 

[PoultryGirly]

Thanks so much......I'll be putting my chicks outside soon

 

[ButchGood]

They will be so much happier with fresh air and real grass and dirt under their feet. You will see a huge difference in them. Pull up a chair and get your pop corn 'cause its about to get entertaining.