Chicks Scratching Brooder too much?

[BastyPutt]

I've had 10 day olds running about on a "hot" day - 69F.

I've had 4 week olds fully off heat at mid 40s.

Chicks are hardier than people realize. I think they're bored and some time outside would do them a world of good, as long as they have access to both warm and cooler (shaded) areas and some place they can huddle away from drafts.

This is very well put.

Aside from this, a chick who is getting too cold doesn't keel over instantly. You are going to see some lethargy for a decent period of time where plopping them under a heat lamp is literally like shocking them with paddles and brings them back.

If you have an hour or so to just observe them (which is fun anyway) you really wouldn't be putting them into danger by exposing them to cooler temps.