New chicks, ready for outside?

[allymcshop]

You are probably rightDoc7, it’s maybe extreme. I do let them free range during the day at 12 weeks. But I do have healthy, happy chicks. So it works for me. I feel like I can tell when they are cold.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I would use the heat plate, as long as it is large enough for all of them to fit under. Maybe drape a towel over it to stop drafts.

32 chicks is quite a few, and I don't think a MHP would be big enough for all of them.

How well are they doing at feathering out?

 

[Redhead Rae]

I have two of the Premier 1 plates and love them. I've used them to successfully brood 2-3 week old chicks in an unheated coop at temps in the teens.

 

[rosemarythyme]

That seems extreme! And a downside of heat lamps vs the other styles. Chicks without heat lamps and use of an MHP are ready for sub freezing temps by 5-6 weeks old.

I agree. Most chicks are ready for the coop by 4, 5 weeks, without supplemental heat. Obviously this doesn't apply to extreme climates.

 

[wyoDreamer]

My concern with the OP's chicks is that they have been inside in a heated area up until now. If she still ahs heat on them, I think they will need some source of heat outside - just to let them get acclimated to the outside temps.

 

[Acre4Me]

Use the heat plate that you have. It will be there when they need it.