New to raising chickens!

[debbie1964]

Hi there. My name is Debbie and I live in Michigan. Our family has decided to raise a flock chickens. We have 16 little ones (or should I say, getting bigger by the second ones) running around their brooder. Our flock is a variety of breeds just because I wanted a pretty flock! So far everything has gone well but they will soon outgrow what I have them in. (4 x 2 foot brooder)

Unfortuately, spring has not shown up yet here in Michigan with unseasonably cold weather still ongoing. Does anyone know what temps are safe enough to put them out in their coop? I know they have to be feathered out but is the 20s or 30s to chilly for them. I would be willing to put a heat lamp out there but didnt know if going from the warmth of the inside brooder to the cold coop would be to much of a shock for them. Thanks for the help!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Debbie and welcome to BYC and congrats on your new littles.

I'd suggest either asking here - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/raising-baby-chicks.11/ or here - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you to find your state thread

 

[MyChicksRAwesome]

Hi ! I also am new lol and live in Mn , snow is still deep and feeling like spring will never show up lol. It will eventually.. for now I have my chicks inside, I have 4 chicks and 20 hatching in the incubator !! I think our winters here are somewhat similar to you.. if so.. I wouldn’t take them outside until it’s in the 50’s and only if they have all the feathers in. I am not going to have mine outside until it’s warm enough and snow has melted a bit . We possibly will get another dumping of snow.. so I am concerned myself about having there little butt get to cold.. if you however have a draft free place and warming lights, they should be ok . I would give it a couple weeks though. Hope I helped somehow lol

 

[Lazy Farmer]

 

[debbie1964]

Hi Debbie and welcome to BYC and congrats on your new littles.

I'd suggest either asking here - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/raising-baby-chicks.11/ or here - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you to find your state thread

Thanks for the info

 

[Joeschooks]

Hello Debbie There’s so many helpful, knowledgeable folks here and I’m sure you’ll find this site a very useful resource. I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do.

With regards putting the chicks outside, they should be fine without heat by 8 weeks in temperatures above freezing. Mine go outside about 3 weeks with the heat plate in the shed, provided it’s above freezing! I’ve just put my week olds out now because it’s not due to drop below 50.

 

[N F C]

Best of luck to you with the chicks (the getting bigger by the second ones, lol)!

 

[drumstick diva]

Definitely no sign of spring here either. Just plain raw temps, winds, and dampness.

 

[Kiki]

We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

 

[Mraya]