Hello from Sioux Falls

[aflad2012]

Does anyone know how old the chicks have to be to go outside in the coop. We live in SD and the weather is very unpredictable and it could be warm the the nights can still get down to 50. My chicks are inside and the temp with their light is 70 right now and we don't have the furnance on anymore, beings it has been in the 70 to 80's during the day. just wondering if it will be too cold for them

 

[TwoCrows]

It is best to keep chicks indoors till they are fully feathered, which is usually at 6 weeks of age. But they can still have a hard time with temps. So if you are concerned about cold nights, you can put them out in the coop at 6 weeks, and keep the heat lamp on them on cold nights. Not directly on top of them but a few feet above them.That way if they do get cold they can use it if they need it, if they are warm enough they can get out from under it. After a week or two with added heat, you can remove it permanently.

from New Mexico!

 

[Kevin565]

 

[greymane]

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[kidcody]

from washington state glad you joined us!

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! So glad you joined us!

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined. Good luck.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan