outside brooding

[anniepyanoe]

Hi,
I will be getting my chicks in mid May. Typically I get them in March and keep the brooder inside. Can I keep the chicks outside in the coop, sectioned off in smaller segments with a heat lamp, since it is so late in the season? I live in upstate NY, so it's just starting to get warmer out. I'm thinking if I keep them inside for a few days after delivery I might be able to move them out. Any thoughts from you all would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!

 

[hysop]

With my first chicks I put them straight outside in a small coop with a heat lamp in March (I live in GA). Only thing you would have to ensure would be for the location to be predator proof but that applies no matter what age the birds are.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Sounds like a good plan, though I'd consider an alternate form of heat, such as a brooder plate or heat pad, vs a lamp which is a bigger fire hazard.

This will also allow for much earlier integration, if you have a flock already.