Introducing chicks to the out doors

[mommy of two]

When can I let my chicks run around outside for a little bit? They were just hatched a couple days ago. We live in mid Missouri so the temp right now is about 70 degrees and next week it will be a little warmer.

 

[Natalijaasbj]

Be very careful with letting them outside so early. Even more so if you are not too experienced with growing chicks. They have to have 95F the first week for sure. Don't hesitate to buy thermometer ( it does not have to be expensive). Their immune system might be not ready for pecking outside just yet. Although they may survive, some of them if they get something wrong - might get sick. You see, when they are with their mother hen - it is different - she is teaching them what to eat and she is constantly their to warm them up in case they are cold- etc.
When my chicks were 4 weeks old - I got them out ( it was pretty chilly, although sunny in low 60F) two of them were just fine , but the black maran got a cold shock or ate something wrong - I am not really sure - and he got very sick, but thankfully with my home remedies - survived and thriving.
There is no hurry to get them out so young, just iMHO.
Then when they are on their second week you might lower the temperature as 90F and every week - 5F lower. So, if for example, they are 3 weeks old, and it is 85F outside - I think then it is probably fine to put them outside.

 

[mommy of two]

Ok. I am just eager, we already have chickens that are two months old so I want the chicks to get that big fast! I guess I will try to wait patiently!