My chicks are still in side?

[Piggy51015]

My chickens or 6 weeks old and they are still in side. The cool temperature is at 70F. I don’t think they can go out side right now because it get down to 10F at night but I have no way to keep them safe out side during the day. So they are in side 24/7. What should I do any tips?

 

[Mrs. K]

Where are you going to put them eventually? I mean do you have a coop/run?

I took mine out Saturday - they were two weeks old, we are getting down to mid 20's at night, don't think we will go much colder than that from here on out. And mine are thriving.

More space, fresh air, sunshine are good for chicks.

Mrs K

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is the coop and run not built yet? That is a bigger issue than the temperatures. Coop at least needs to be ready to go as soon as possible.

Are they completely off heat inside at least? I'd suggest taking them on "field trips" on nicer days but you will need to at least make a temporary enclosure to allow for that.

 

[Mrs. K]

Every time you bring feed, make a distinctive noise. That can be quite helpful to round them up. A garden, a back yard, should be good enough for a little time outdoors. Mine are so much more active, and getting stronger since I put them outdoors.

 

[Piggy51015]

Is the coop and run not built yet? That is a bigger issue than the temperatures. Coop at least needs to be ready to go as soon as possible.

Are they completely off heat inside at least? I'd suggest taking them on "field trips" on nicer days but you will need to at least make a temporary enclosure to allow for that.

We ordered a run and are going to build the coop soon. The run should come tomorrow hopefully. We can’t just let them go out side because we don’t have a fence and we have a big backyard.

 

[rosemarythyme]

We ordered a run and are going to build the coop soon. The run should come tomorrow hopefully. We can’t just let them go out side because we don’t have a fence and we have a big backyard.

Better hustle on that coop then, they could be moved outside already if that at least was ready to go (the run can come a little later).

For now, for some outside time, get a roll of chicken wire and some stakes. Make a big circle with the wire, then stake it in place. You'll need to keep an eye on them as this is definitely not predator proof and they could possibly slip out, but it's a quick way to set up a pen for them to explore outside.