How to acclimate chicks to outside heat?

[gumbita]

I have some silkie chicks about 3-4 weeks old that I got from a lady about a week and a half ago. She told me when I got them that about now I could actually start keeping them outside about now (because it is so hot here in Houston, mid-nineties). I can't do that full time because our run and coop are not exactly built yet. . .

Anyways, I thought I would take them out for a supervised playdate outside. I put them in the shade, and they were literally out there 3 minutes and they started panting. Their water was right there and a few of them drank, but finally after maybe five minutes they stopped milling about and just huddled together panting, so I took them back inside and gave them cold water.

Thing is, how are these things supposed to live outside if they are out there for five minutes in the shade and can't handle it? ANy suggestions for what to do??

 

[RonC]

Silkies are beautiful but not the most hardy of breeds. Take them out in the morning for a bit or late in the afternoon leaving them out a little longer each time till they get accustomed to the temp.

 

[annanimal]

It gets really hot here in the summer to, i dont have any silkies but my chickens do pant when they are outside, i just put icy cold water and if they are hot enough they will drink in, i also poor a little on the dirt so it stays cool for them to get used to it, i agree with RonC dont take them out at the hottest time, i usually take mine out in the afternoon.