HELP..Chicks are 2 1/2 weeks can they go OUT?

[Happy Chooks]

Do you have another area you could brood in? I brood mine in our well house. It's pretty small and insulated, so even with nights in the 30's, it stays warm enough inside with the heat lamp.

If not, maybe put them in your bathroom or laundry room.

 

[Moabite]

Thanks so much for these posts. All my questions where answered here. My chicks will be 4 weeks on the 4th. I had to kick them out during the day starting about a week ago for similar reasons. I brooded them (7 chicks) in a wooden crate in the spare bedroom. It is still in the 30's at night here, so I bring them in.

 

[lemurchaser]

I move all my chicks out at 2 weeks old. They go in a wooden coop, not insulated, but no drafts. I put at least one 250 watt heat lamp (not just a regular bulb), and make sure the temps under the heat lamp are over 100 (if they get cold, I want them to be able to warm up quickly), and then there is a gradient out from there. It's usually highs in the mid 40's, lows in the high 30's when I do this. I watch them very closely the first 2 nights, even getting up in the night to check them. If they crowd the one lamp too much (as in are jostling for the space) then I add another lamp. Generally I find them sleeping in a ring, right where the temp is right for them.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I have successfully raised chicks outside in those temperatures. As long as they have a draft free container and a strong lamp like lemurchaser said, and they are healthy birds, they should be fine. I have never had any problems. My rir have always feathered in quickly and were able to stay warm - even getting away from the lamp to cool off.

 

[nancypo]

What do you use for litter? I'm still using papertowels, change 2xs a day, nice and clean. I keep mine in a spare bedroom. Maybe a bigger box/tote? Mine's 4' x 3' for 3 chicks. I would maybe try them outside for short periods of time, with the heat and watch it. Then gradually go longer, wait til it's warmer at night, do a test on the coop with a heat bulb overnight (without them) and see how cold it is in the a.m.?

 

[Jenifer72]

Quote:
I'm using pine shavings. I have 10 chicks in a 45 gallon tote. I didnt really notice the dust until they have started to get their feathers (which I know is normal) I really appreciate everyones ideas I will experiment a little but I will do so on the safe side of things and be cautious as I don't want to lose any of them for something dumb I did....but boy I sure can't wait to get them out!

 

[blueskylen]

putting my 60, almost 3 week cornishx out in the building tomorrow. it is not insulated, but i have one wall of straw bales and will put 2 red lights out. one closer for more heat and one higher in case the other one goes out they will still have some heat- very securely fastened to the ceiling. I did this last year and didn't have a problem - it was about the same temps as now. a heavy layer of newspaper about 1" thick on the floor and then a deep layer of straw for bedding. as they grow, i just move the straw wall back to make the brood area bigger.

 

[noitulover]

Quote:
cornish x feather out SUPER quickly though.... is she has layers, they will take longer to mature and feather... depends a lot on the breed she has...

 

[Gonzo]

I stuck my polish chicks out in the garage when they were about 3 weeks old.... I used a coat hanger, and a sheet, hung that from the rafters, and enclosed the heat lamp, and brooder in that. It helped hold the heat, and kept drafts off of them. They did fine. I can't handle having them in my house too long either, the kill me with sinus problems!