I think it is time to move my chicks outside

[AllenK RGV]

How are you heating them?
What's the temp in the brooder room?

This will give them a cozy place to sleep/rest, block any drafts and help hold their body heat in.

I am using the MHP system that the thermometer reads 95F through a metal pail floor. The heat pad sits under the pail. In a bathroom at the back of the house with the window open. I don't have electricity in the coop for them to run the MHP there safely, although I can run an extension cord but won't.

 

[AllenK RGV]

Regardless it is sounding like folks are advising me to wait at least one more week. Especially since my coop is very open. It is 25-33%(ventilated) open to our onshore breezes being near the coast and since I am in a very southern location it needs major ventilation, which it has. I haven't seen them using the MHP for the last week at all is why I was thinking it is time to move.

 

[RUNuts]

I put the meat birds out in tractor at 2.5 weeks a month ago. They lived. I had a Rubbermaid box on its side with wood chip floor covering for sleeping quarters and to give them a dry spot during the rain. Worked except for the time the roof poured rain into the box and they got behind the box between it and the tarped wall. No heat. Hardy little guys.

Thinking through it, I should have cut a hole and given them a "coop" box for a little more protection. Interesting. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[aart]

reads 95F through a metal pail floor.

Not quite sure at all what this means

I haven't seen them using the MHP for the last week at all is why I was thinking it is time to move.

There ya go then...but... have they not been using it because it's still on 'high'?
Try a huddle box, at least it will keep them protected from the wind if needed.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I think at that age and with those temps they would probably do great outside now, but a couple of days in your house with the brooder heat off should do a lot to give you confidence and it won't hurt them.

Going to give this a try it seems solid advice. I'll turn off the MHP and see if I observe them huddling.

 

[AllenK RGV]

Not quite sure at all what this means



There ya go then...but... have they not been using it because it's still on 'high'?
Try a huddle box, at least it will keep them protected from the wind if needed.

Ok @aart and no the MHP is on medium and I measured the temperatures on the chicken side of the 4 gallon pail that the heating pad sits under. I do think they will require some wind protection as well as we pretty much live under a windmill farm deployed on an industrial scale around here. Regardless I am switching off the heat now to see how they react.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I put the meat birds out in tractor at 2.5 weeks a month ago. They lived. I had a Rubbermaid box on its side with wood chip floor covering for sleeping quarters and to give them a dry spot during the rain. Worked except for the time the roof poured rain into the box and they got behind the box between it and the tarped wall. No heat. Hardy little guys.

Thinking through it, I should have cut a hole and given them a "coop" box for a little more protection. Interesting. Thanks for the ideas.

Wow and you guys hit lows in the 60's at that time. Thanks RUnuts!

 

[Kiki]

@AllenK RGV They DO NOT need a heat lamp down here.

 

[AllenK RGV]

@AllenK RGV They DO NOT need a heat lamp down here.

Man don't I know that! I was suprised that TSC only stocks the 250W light bulbs! I ran one of those the first time I reared chicks in that bathroom in JULY and it heated the entire room beyond 100 degrees.

 

[AllenK RGV]

When you reply how do you get those website links under your comment?

Under your account button you can edit your signature and add them in.