let babies play in the sun... question

[okiegirl]

They are about 3 weeks old. most of their wings are feathered out, just starting on the tail feathers and some on the neck. It's supposed to be a high of 70 today. I made them a little pen out in the sun so they could get some real sun instead of the red light bulb.

question. how warm does it need to be for them to get to go outside for a little play time? and how long should I let them stay out before bringing them back in?

 

[squeakyballs]

I have hens taking care of my chicks... when I open the door they take the chicks out for maybe 20 minutes before bringing them back in. I'm not sure if that helps any! We are about the same temperature as you are.

 

[newchicksnducks]

I used the guide that if for the first weeks chicks need 95 degrees, 2 weeks 90 degrees, 3 weeks would be 85 degrees. When the heat required in the brooder matches the outside temperatures, I took the chicks outside. Hope this helps!

 

[NeeleysAVLChicks]

I think they'll be fine to take out for a little while, I'm sure they'll appreciate the sun! Just keep an eye on them and if they look like they are starting to get cold, bunching up, etc, take 'em back inside. Can't wait to get my babies out for some sunshine and fresh air this weekend too!

 

[rhode island redsy]

mine are a little over 2 weeks old, i took them out today for a half hour its about 70 here they loved it never huddled once just ran around pecking and flapping

 

[bantiesrule]

Quote:
I agree. Just watch them and if they act cold, put them back in the brooder. I have a mama with babies that are only a few weeks old also. I open the door for all of my chickens to go out and they are usually running around most of the afternoon and it's only 55 to 60 here. I do have a bulb in the coop and sometimes they go back there and sit under it for awhile but usually the just take a little break under mom and then they are off and running again. They just love it outside. I don't know what I'm going to do next week yet, it's supposed to drop back into the 20's.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree. Mama hen doesn't keep her babies under her full-time for several weeks. Take em out, let them enjoy the sunshine. If they get cold they'll let you know with loud peeping and huddling, then it's time for them to go back inside.

 

[gryeyes]

I am SO looking forward to this weekend, when I can take my little brood outside for an hour or so; the temp is forecast to be in the middle 70s. They're four weeks old now. Chicks are SO much fun to watch in the yard in the sun!!
(I have an A-Frame with pen underneath, which I'll use. The Big Girls just won't be able to go in there whilst the babies are at play.)

 

[EggSpudition]

Thanks for the info on this.. I wasn't sure what was the appropriate time.. This is great knowledge.

 

[Carenm]

Ours are about the same age and we took them out yesterday afternoon when it was about 73 out. They did just fine.