I'm planning to raise fall chicks, but I'm worried about weather.

[Strategic Chicken]

I want to raise chicks where I live in San Jose, CA. After six weeks, I plan to slowly move them outside, however, nighttime temperatures in October in San Jose are around 54 F. Is this too cold for six week old hens to be outside at night? Thanks for your answers!

 

[DobieLover]

nighttime temperatures in October in San Jose are around 54 F. Is this too cold for six week old hens to be outside at night? Thanks for your answers!

I raised chicks with a brooder plate out in the built-in brooder in my coop in spring in NY when the temps went down to 23F when the chicks were 2 weeks old. They were not only fine, they thrived. 54F is balmy for fully feathered pullets.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do you have other chickens already? Might want to consider raising them outside to get them acclimated to outdoor temps faster.

I have 4 week olds off heat at mid 40s at night, but they're raised outside from the start so they have ample time to adjust to it.

 

[Tmartin7711]

6 weeks seems a little early. I would do 8 weeks. Let them stay outside all day but at night take them inside. It will help them adjust when they are permanently outside.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have other chickens already? Might want to consider raising them outside to get them acclimated to outdoor temps faster.

I have 4 week olds off heat at mid 40s at night, but they're raised outside from the start so they have ample time to adjust to it.

X2
I put just hatched chicks outside in cool temps (even night time temps in the 20s). As long as they have a heat source, shelter and wind protection they seem to do just fine.