I put the girls outside!

[BDutch]

I just caught this! So they were all under it last night when it got dark (and chilly. It was around 60 last night). And they were quiet.
But when I checked on them this morning before I left, they were out eating and drinking and walking around. But they were chirping!
They do have access to heat at all times. And it’s 80 here today.
Should I move them back inside?

No need to move them back inside as long as they are safe and can go under the heat plate when they want to warm up.
Outside air and a bit of sunshine is good for their health.

Chirping sounds different from peeping out of misery.

 

[JanetRN1]

My brooder is in the coop. I've had chicks in there in pretty high heat and when the outside temperature is below freezing. That's straight out of the incubator or from the post office. As long as they have a place to go warm up when it gets cold and a place to cool off when it gets hot they will be fine. With your heat plate you should have that covered. If they feel cold they will go into the heat. If they are not cold they won't spend much time under there.

Some people are surprised at how much time chicks can spend in colder areas. They can handle that much better than expected as long as they have a place to warm up when they need to. Don't be surprised if they are sleeping on top of that heat plate instead of under it soon.

They are! They perch on top of it and have made themselves comfy.
They have gotten big! And while there’s plenty of room in the brooder, they are now curiously stretching their necks to get a peek at what’s “out there”.
We’ve worked on the coop and run all week and I’m going g to move them into the coop only this weekend. I’ll take the heat plate, too, but we’re still in the 80’s/60’s here and I think they’ll appreciate more room.
Loving this site…so encouraging and helpful. Thank you!

 

[KyCoop]

Just double check your predator proofing. Nothing rings the dinner bell like peeping chicks.

 

[JanetRN1]

Just double check your predator proofing. Nothing rings the dinner bell like peeping chicks.

This is going to sound so stupid, but I never thought about the chirps being predator attractors! You’re so right!

 

[KyCoop]

I moved some Littles out to the coop when they were 4wks old. I was cleaning and feeding and they were happily peeping when the blue Jay's went off. I looked up and saw THE biggest horned owl about 40ft away looking for something to grab. I know an owl is not going to break into a coop but the racoons will try and I'm sure they hear them too.

 

[Kiki]

Yes. Nothing gets into the backyard. And they’re covered with mesh AND a roof.
I just checked on them and they’re all huddled under the plate (it’s dark).
They seem ok. I’ll probably be up to check on them at 3am, too. lol!!
Plus they’re right outside my window

There appear to be in a tent like like thing. That is NOT predator proof.

At that age and those temps I wouldn't have any added heat on them.