My chicks moved outside- are they okay?

[Robbinita]

We moved our babes outside today since the freezes are probably over. 6 of them, are now in a dog crate in our shed. They are 3 weeks old. I hope they will be okay. They were making a HUGE mess inside and making lots of noise. Woke me up several times last night, so I had had it. I put their heat lamp lower than it was in here. I am hoping they will be okay. I have the thermostat in there and it's slow to warm up, but I am going to re-check it before i go to bed. The nights are around 40-50 and the days are near or around 70. What are ya'lls opinions about it? Thanks!

 

[seminolewind]

Hi, Watch what your chicks do. Are they huddled or standing under the heat lamp or kindof spread out away from the hottest part? They will tell you.

 

[trunkman]

keep us posted.

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Rule of thumb is fully feathered out I thought mine are about that old and I put them out in my mini coop (I haven't finished yet but it is for my rooster) in the day but at night they are in their brooder. but keep an eye on them that is the best thing that you can do.

 

[catdaddy66]

I have the same problem but mine are a little older than yours (5 weeks), and I have no lamp in the coop. My temps are about the same as yours for the next week or so w/ some rain near the weekend. I feel very guilty like I have evicted my 1st grade class!! I feel concern but I know how much healthier they will be in the coop w/ more space and ventilation. We were also tired of the smell and filth they manage to accumulate, but it doesn't help the emotions much... *sigh*

 

[mboreham1]

mine are out, 3 weeks old, with heat lamp. I always think about wild chicks, at 3 weeks of age they dont spend all day under momma as long as there is a lamp in there and the temps are close to that during the day you will be fine

 

[Robbinita]

Thanks everyone!! I went out to check on them this morning, and they were just fine. They were huddled together, but I am thinking it's fine with the lamp- and temps are supposed to be in the mid-70's today. Ahhh --- relief!!!!