How long to wait to take chicks outside and why?

[amylou22]

My son and I took the new chicks outside for a few minutes today. And then, I read that that is a no; wait 2 weeks. But I saw 1 week elsewhere. What is the "right" time and why wait to that point?
(And I live in the Deep South, it is over 80 here, they were out for maybe 15 mins.)

 

[ScissorChick]

As long as temps are warm your totally fine. The problem with taking

young chicks outside is when the weather is cold, and they have no feathrs.

If it's ever cool outside don't take them out until they get all their feathers in.

How old are your chicks?

 

[amylou22]

Couple days. We got them yesterday, so hatched Tues or Wednesday.

 

[Judy]

I would have them out all day; I live basically where you do, in terms of climate. And at night I'd have something set up in the coop with a little heat. There is an eye opening link in our Raising Baby Chicks section. Read here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=39604

 

[wistlindixie]

Quote:
so cute!

I have had mine outside during the day here in Alabama for the past three days. They are 2 weeks and 1 week all together in a wire cage that you typically use to transport. They LOVE being able to peck on the fresh grass and the keep-away games are hilarious when they find something really interesting....like moss or bugs or twigs or little flowers.

 

[ScissorChick]

if they start chirping loudly, or piling

on each other, take them in and put them under a light immediatly. I see no

problem with taking them outside.

If the weather is ever cooler than 80F I'd

think twice about it.