Is this reasonable

[Rogdog]

We have 27 two week old chicks that are outgrowing the 2X4 box that we have in the laundry room. Somebody has to move outside. Maybe me. We don't have any big chickens yet, these are our starters. I brooded chicks once before (35 years ago) but that was in SoCal. This is Northern Idaho.

I guess I could make a larger box and move them to the garage but I'd rather not. I have partially constructed their permanent coop which includes an insulated 6X8, raised house. The floor is 1X4 boards that allow some "vents" and "drains" at their edges but it's covered with 4 inches of pine litter. It has some screen windows that I can shutter and some 2 inch screen gable vents that I can't easily close. I guess I could put a board over them but they are there for ventilation.

If I put their 250 watt lamp in there, do you think it would be warm enough for them?

Overnight lows are currently in the low 30's, highs in the high 40's. (come on summer!)

P.S. Partially constructed means the screened in outside portion is not done. I don't want to screen until after exterior paint. It's too cold and wet to paint.

 

[Celtic Chick]

No, you really shouldn't put them outside yet. Their heat requirements for 2 weeks old is 90 degrees constantly. I would recommend putting them into something larger. You could divide them into 2 boxes, but them you'd have to have 2 of everythiing, plus reintegrating them poses its own problems.
I would go with the larger box.
As for the 2 inch screen gable vents, I would put a piece of hardware cloth over them to keep anything from trying to get in if that is what worries you. I wouldn't block it; they need adequate ventilation at all times.
Good luck and hope this helps.

 

[zookeeper15133]

I'm in PA, I have had my chicks in an uninsulated, unheated enclosed porch since I got them. Our lows have gone to the mid 20's. They have a 4x4 box that is 3' high. I have a 250 watt bulb on them and when it get cooler I put 2" Styrofoam insulation over 3/4's of the box. They are 4 weeks old now and they have been fine.

Just be sure your light is low enough and secure. I think they will be fine. Good luck!

This will also work. I moved my 4 week old americana's out with it. Very easy to make what ever size you need. It is called Reflectix. The stuff is cheaper at home depot, but you have to get it online. Lowe's has it, I took a printout to Lowe's from Home Depot and they price matched it.

http://www.plamondon.com/pasture_hover.html

 

[Fred's Hens]

I brood outside from day 1 in an unheated barn or garage. As long as the hot spot circle is 85, which is easy to do with a 250watt red bulb, at 18", they'll be just fine. We've had nights in the mid 20's and no complaining, no piling on. Chickens were brooded in unheated barns for centuries, even before Thomas Edison.

PS: with 27 chicks, I'd hang two lights.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Fred's Hens :

I brood outside from day 1 in an unheated barn or garage. As long as the hot spot circle is 85, which is easy to do with a 250watt red bulb, at 18", they'll be just fine. We've had nights in the mid 20's and no complaining, no piling on. Chickens were brooded in unheated barns for centuries, even before Thomas Edison.

X2 We brood all of ours outside.​

 

[chickendude]

Fred's Hens :

I brood outside from day 1 in an unheated barn or garage. As long as the hot spot circle is 85, which is easy to do with a 250watt red bulb, at 18", they'll be just fine. We've had nights in the mid 20's and no complaining, no piling on. Chickens were brooded in unheated barns for centuries, even before Thomas Edison.

PS: with 27 chicks, I'd hang two lights.

I agree they were brooded in barns for centuries but they were brooded naturally by a hen. With out the hen doing the work we need to take on the responsibility. But yes you can brood outdoors but the temp must be regulated properly.​

 

[hennyannie]

I'm in N.C. so I know the weather is milder, but I find that I have less problem with picking when I get them outside as soon as possible. In the house the temp is already about 70/72 then you have the light on them. In my building I can make a larger area and they can choose to go under the light or not. I think this really helps keep them comfortable. I also have outside hutches similar to the ones mississippifarmboy posted in another post, I use these when the get older.

 

[Mandymooligan]

Quote:
X2 We brood all of ours outside.

X3 I had to move mine outside at just a few days old and they have all gone great. I worried about them and checked on them several times a night for the first few nights but they all did well. We had some very cool nights.

 

[Rogdog]

Quote:
Yeah, they're screened with hardware cloth. I meant should I block it to help keep them warm if I move them out. The thing's a fortress. I'm not worried about anything getting in except the cold.

 

[Rogdog]

Fred's Hens :

I brood outside from day 1 in an unheated barn or garage. As long as the hot spot circle is 85, which is easy to do with a 250watt red bulb, at 18", they'll be just fine. We've had nights in the mid 20's and no complaining, no piling on. Chickens were brooded in unheated barns for centuries, even before Thomas Edison.

Good point.​