I have 2 wk old Barred Rock chicks. Up until today it has been in the 90's, so every day my son and I have taken them outside for a little fresh air and let them peck around in the grass. Not long - just 20-30 minutes. Today and for the next few days it will be quite a bit cooler (upper 60's to lower 70's). Should I keep them in when it's this cool, or would our usual short playtime still be ok?
A short playtime will be fine. I would pick a sunny spot if it's only in the 60s. Anywhere would be fine if it's in the 70s, I think.
When my broody hens take chicks out for walks at that age, even in January, they are out from under the mama for short periods, like 5 to 15 minutes, so they should be fine for a brief playtime. I would also listen to the chicks. If they start peeping a lot, they are too cold.
As soon as I come home from work mine go out on the grass in a small pen for a couple of hours...they are 2 weeks old and it is only in the 70-80 range...they will tell you when it gets too cold.
Shoot, mine are 3 weeks old and are out from under the broody in a 50 °F coop most of the time. They should be fine...
