Outside brooder?

[Buffington2]

We are in Florida and the weather is decent. We hatched some babies under a broody but she rejected two and we unexpectedly had to set up a brooder. We usually use a pet tent with a heat plate so that’s what we did, however we would normally put them in the garage but we didn’t have time to clear a space. Right now they are on the screened in porch in the tent and I’m wondering if we could keep them there.. I’m not sure if it’s secure enough against a possible raccoon or not. We haven’t had any predator problems with any of our chickens but you never know. Thoughts?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

What's your nighttime temperatures?
How old are they?

I think they will be fine outside in the tent if they have a heat plate.

You mention you're not sure if the screened porch is secure enough against a predator like a Racoon, this would be a concern. Only you know how well built/fortified the porch is. If you feel a predator can get in, perhaps move the chicks inside at night and place them back on the porch during the day when there's less threat, at least from Racoons.