Is it too hot for my chicks???

[OkieB]

I am in Oklahoma. We are experiencing 100° plus weather most days. I have some week old baby chicks. I have a growing pen in my back yard that is under the shade of 2 huge pecan trees.

Would they be okay outside? Or not? What are your thoughts?

 

[sumi]

I think they will be just fine out there in the shade. Make sure they have enough fresh, cool drink water at all times and keep an eye on them. They will let you know if/when they are uncomfortable. What breed(s) are your chicks?

 

[OkieB]

I think they will be just fine out there in the shade. Make sure they have enough fresh, cool drink water at all times and keep an eye on them. They will let you know if/when they are uncomfortable. What breed(s) are your chicks?

That's what I was thinking but wanted someone to reassure me. I bought 20. 8 are bantams. The others are Australorps, Leghorns and Welsummers. Thanks for your reply.

 

[sumi]

You're welcome I used to live in South Africa where 100F and much higher was our summer. Never had issues with my flock in the heat, thankfully! Shade and water to drink was enough for them.

 

[gtaus]

I think they will be just fine in the shade. I go by the old policy that chicks should be kept at about 95F for the first week, then 90F, etc... Where I live in northern Minnesota, I had to keep heat lamps on the chicks the first 6 weeks I had them. Even in late April, our nights would get down to 20F's and the days rarely got into the 40F's. So I think you are lucky to have free heat while brooding your chicks. As always, water and food needs to be available for the chicks.

 

[MomJones]

I am in Oklahoma. We are experiencing 100° plus weather most days. I have some week old baby chicks. I have a growing pen in my back yard that is under the shade of 2 huge pecan trees.

Would they be okay outside? Or not? What are your thoughts?

We're doing the same thing down here in South Carolina with 12 babies (less than 1 week old). They live in a brooder section of the coop with a big fan, lots of indirect breeze, water, food. The whole thing seems to work perfectly so far because they love heat. I check on them several times a day. This is the first time we've taken on babies in the heat of Summer and it makes sense as long as they're safe. It's amazing how quickly the little guys adapt--seems like no time at all before they're actin' all big and robust.

 

[CatWhisperer]

My chicks are a little older (1 month) but I put them out in the garden every day. They hang out under the milkweed mostly and are doing great. I just have to give them fresh ice water to drink a couple times in the afternoon. They still sleep indoors as we are having to build another coop for them. I live in northwest Arkansas. The heat and humidity have been just murderous. My silkies aren’t handling it as well as everyone else.

 

[chickens really]

Goodness I'm in Alberta, Canada and I'm the opposite..It's been too cold to put out my Chicks ....

 

[MomJones]

My chicks are a little older (1 month) but I put them out in the garden every day. They hang out under the milkweed mostly and are doing great. I just have to give them fresh ice water to drink a couple times in the afternoon. They still sleep indoors as we are having to build another coop for them. I live in northwest Arkansas. The heat and humidity have been just murderous. My silkies aren’t handling it as well as everyone else.

I used to live in NWA. Couldn't handle the traffic but it is a lovely area. Are you using misters? They cool the air and the birds learn very quickly how to cool off by standing under them.

 

[OkieB]

My chicks are a little older (1 month) but I put them out in the garden every day. They hang out under the milkweed mostly and are doing great. I just have to give them fresh ice water to drink a couple times in the afternoon. They still sleep indoors as we are having to build another coop for them. I live in northwest Arkansas. The heat and humidity have been just murderous. My silkies aren’t handling it as well as everyone else.

Well good luck. We hit 105° yesterday. Some humidity. I loathe summer.

My silkies seem okay. I have a misting system for my grown chickens. They love it.

I think I'll put the chicks out this evening late and go from there.

Thanks for your reply!