New Chicks in Dutchess County, NY

[jvp0719]

I am brand new at this and we are expecting 6 new chicks on Aug 21. 3 Easter Eggers and 3 Rhode Island Reds, I live in Dutchess County, NY about 90 min North of NYC. Approximately when will the chicks be old enough to be outside here?

Thanks

 

[RonC]

I would recomend at least two weeks. At that age they are intellegent enough to fend for themselves. At two weeks about 80-85 degrees to warm up in is sufficient. They can tolerate lower temps out exploring if they have a place to warm up. Provide them a secure run to roam about, they would be easy prey at that age. They will also need a warm draft free coop to sleep in.

 

[blacktop240]

Hey I'm from Saugerties... I left mine inside till they were 9 weeks and feathered out... Some people just pop them out at 2-3 weeks but a little longer and they can handle themselves better. If you set up a big coral either make one from wood or you can use low side tubs from walmart. Just make sure your heat lamp isn't getting the plastic to hot or there could be trouble. Get a think of pine shavings for the bedding and your set. at night I would put a sheet over top and a piece of my bonsai screen over hte open end with the heat lamp so they didnt fly out as they got bigger it. Really *** soon as the baby fluff feathers are gone you can stick them out.