Need to move my baby chicks almost 3 weeks old...outside in crate???

[logansmommy7]

I have 15 almost 3 week old chicks in a big rubbermaid container. They are eating like crazy and draining their water almost as soon as I can fill it. I'm debating putting them outside during the day in a wire dog crate (the weather is in the 80s) and then in our garage at night with the heat lamp. Of course, if we have a cool day I would leave them inside with their light. What do you think? If they are on grass (the bottom of the crate is wire) will they need grit? I'm assuming yes. They just need a bigger space because they are jumping on top of the feeder/waterer. I have a screen on top, but they are just growing TOOOO fast! Any thoughts?

 

[logansmommy7]

Anyone? I don't want to do anything detrimental to my babies...but I'm thinking with the temps in the 80's to 90s..we should be fine. But will they eat grass? They haven't had anything but chicken starter feed...

 

[boogiedog]

I would just make sure they had some access to shade, and also that the pen is secured and covered. You want to make sure that no dogs, hawks, et al can access either from the top or by pushing over. (Also be aware that if there is a chance they can be tormented by a predator, esp a tenatious dog, they can die from fear. So be sure to put them in a safe place!) Good luck!

 

[logansmommy7]

Oh yes..the crate is completely closed in...and I plan to put them in the shade next to the barn. Do they have to have grit at this stage? I could always crush some of my adult chicken grit so it is like sand...

 

[teach1rusl]

Is the coop not ready, or are there big birds there??? Because if the weather is up around 80 during the day, they could go out to the coop during the day, and then in the garage with the lamp at night, or if you run an extension cord, even hook the lamp out in the coop for them at night. I had my babies out in the coop at three weeks (with a lamp).
If you use a wire dog crate, you will probably need to zip-tie some wire around it, so they can't get out and nothing can reach in (like a dog's snout or a cat's paw). But a nice 80 degree day should be fine for them...put a board or something on half the crate so they have sun or shade, whichever they prefer, and just take them to the garage each evening.

ETA: And yes on grit...I used parakeet grit...anything that has fairly fine particles...

 

[lemurchaser]

That sounds like a pretty cramped space for 15 chicks. Can they go in a coop or run or something. Ideally they would have access to sun to get warm and access to shade so they don't cook. Or a stall in the barn with a heat lamp would work.

Yes for grit, get the little stuff.

 

[mrbstephens]

How about a baby pool?