How long in the brooder box

[Abbie79]

I've finally finished building, and securing my chicken yard, and I can't wait to get my babies into it. They have all feathered out for the most part except for their heads. How much longer do they need to stay in the brooder box with the heat lamp? I was thinking I could remove the heat lamp, but then I found out tonight and tomorrow night will be in the 30's, and they are in an enclosed, but unheated garage.

 

[Sparkyfam]

A good rule of thumb is to do it in stages. Maybe put them out during the day for a few hours, see how they do. If they aren't exploring, but huddling together is a tight ball, that's a good sign it's still a bit too cold for them. Once they're good on the day part, try putting them out at night, check on them after an hour or so and look for the same signs.