Chicks outside??

[sissytoo]

I have 10 4 week old chicks. My first time hatching eggs incubator style and never expected that many!!!! I put them out today, was 82, in a huge dog crate that is covered with a tarp and under the carport. They have a halogen light bulb too. Is supposed to be 67 tonight. Will they be warm enough?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I don’t know if that sounds predator proof. Can you post pictures?

 

[sissytoo]

I don’t know if that sounds predator proof. Can you post pictures?

It's just a huge wire dog crate with fine mesh around the sides and a tarp weighed down over it. I took a heavy board and placed at the front of it.

 

[Yardmom]

They should be fine. They will be able to huddle and keep each other warm. I don't think it is needed, but you could add a cardboard box for them to huddle in.

 

[PasoRoblesEgger]

It's just a huge wire dog crate with fine mesh around the sides and a tarp weighed down over it. I took a heavy board and placed at the front of it.

I've got 5 who are six weeks, we moved them to a bigger pen outside last week. It sits next to a shed and is tarped on the windy side. I got an appliance box, cut the top off and a walk-through hole. Dropped a heat lamp through the open top and turn it on at night. We also did this with the last four batches and it worked well. They have plenty of space to play, and are warm at night.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If they're all healthy and feathering in well they should be fine, however the enclosure isn't going to be predator/pest proof.

 

[sissytoo]

If they're all healthy and feathering in well they should be fine, however the enclosure isn't going to be predator/pest proof.

I stay up very late and keep a check. I'm going to relocate them to the backyard where the pyr is.

 

[sissytoo]

Last I checked, were taking a dirt bath.

 

[aart]

in a huge dog crate that is covered with a tarp and under the carport. They have a halogen light bulb too.

Be careful, sounds like a recipe for disaster.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I've moved 4 week old birds out in those conditions with no supplimental heat whatsoever. Successfully, each of a half dozen times. Your tarp and halogen combo is a risk I would not take, personally.