How cold is too cold outside for chicks?

[ND Sue]

I have some 4 week old silkie chicks that are out in a tractor/run combo. The house is an uninsulated dog house connected to a run.
The temp right now is 46 degrees, which isn't too bad... but sometime in the night it's supposed to dip down into the 20's.

Do I need to bring them in or anything? Or will they be ok out there?

 

[happyhensny]

Unless you have a bunch in there they may get cold. At 4 weeks typically temps should be around 70 or so, cooler if there are enough friends to snuggle. How about a light for a little extra warmth?

 

[CorralitosSunflower]

I think that is way to cold for four week olds, silkies take longer to feather out too. I posted asking about temps and when it was ok to move my chicks outside. I have 5 of them, 3 silkies and two EE's who are 7 weeks old. Our nighttime low is 47 degrees and everyone told me they still need a heat lamp. Well, I think they are fine so no heat lamp for mine but if your 4 weeks olds are out in 20 degree temps than I would definately bring them inside or provide a heat lamp.

 

[ND Sue]

OK. I'm heading out to bring them in. It has been in as low as in the 30's a night or two, but below freezing just seemed cold enough where I thought I'd better ask.
We had a few spring days in April, but this month has been so cold and feels like Fall! It isn't usually this cold this time of year!
Thanks for your responses.

 

[debilorrah]

First off keep in mind that silkies grow much slower than other breeds. Saying that, it is way too cold for ANY 4 week old chick with those temps. Do you have a lamp you can put out there? I have one for my smaller ones and they do just fine with 30 degree temps at night.