Moving chicks outside (low temp)

[LaurenRitz]

Mom's internal temperature is 106 F, iirc. Somebody probably extrapolated from that based on the most fragile birds and it became recognized as a general rule.

My babies go out as soon as everyone has hatched, as long as temperatures are above freezing. Their brooder is part of the adult coop, floored with sand (so they have grit right from the beginning) with a protected shelter and their heat plate.

Except in the coldest weather they generally stop using the heat plate by 3 weeks, which is about the time they no longer want to sleep under Mom if raised by a broody.

 

[Project Blue]

Feathers are pretty good at keeping birds snug. Look at the tiny birds flitting around mid winter with their bare legs hanging out!