Is it too hot?

[lechugababy]

Good morning! I live in Central CA and it is a high of 92 today (unfortunately) my babies are 4 weeks old and have been going outside for an hour to 3 hours this past week. Today is the hottest day we've had so far, is it too hot for them? The rest of the week won't be as hot, should I wait until tomorrow? Also when can they start going outside permanently? My living room is starting to smell chicken-y

 

[WingItRanch]

In that weather, they might be able to leave the brooder now. I usually wait until fully feathered- around 5 to 6 weeks but I know people who kick their chicks out of the brooder after only a week or two and they do just fine as long as it's not frigid.

Chicks should be fine in the 92° heat as long as they have plenty of water and shade.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Are they still sleeping under the heat plate? Also, if they're living in your house, I'd probably skip the outing on the 92 degree day. Too big a temperature swing is risky, especially before they're fully feathered.

 

[lechugababy]

In that weather, they might be able to leave the brooder now. I usually wait until fully feathered- around 5 to 6 weeks but I know people who kick their chicks out of the brooder after only a week or two and they do just fine as long as it's not frigid.

Chicks should be fine in the 92° heat as long as they have plenty of water and shade.

Thank you! I only put them out in the morning when it was cool and they did well. Will start transitioning to the coop within the next week or 2 I think

 

[lechugababy]

Are they still sleeping under the heat plate? Also, if they're living in your house, I'd probably skip the outing on the 92 degree day. Too big a temperature swing is risky, especially before they're fully feathered.

We dont run the AC inside so I think they're okay, put them out for just a few hours in the morning and they did well 1 sleeps under the heat plate but the others don't anymore.

 

[rosemarythyme]

As long as they have a place with deep shade that's readily accessible, and water of course, no reason they can't go out.

Nothing in your temperature range (day or night) is beyond what healthy standard 4-week-olds can handle as long as they have appropriate shelter.