outside time? when?

[midwife mama]

AT what age and what outside temperature can little chicks start spending some QT in the grass? I keep reading about people letting their chicks outside for short periods to expose them to more bacteria, dirt, stuff in the grass, etc., but I am unsure of the details.

How old were your peeps when you first let them out of the brooder for some outside time? What was the outside temp? How long do you let them hang out there?

Thanks!

 

[Deanner03]

When it was warm out (in the 70's ish) I started letting them out at 3-4 weeks during the day. Mine are 5-6 weeks and are now out in the coop (with a heat light at night still).

 

[alexysmommy]

Mine are already in the coop at 2 weeks, but I let them out in the run for a few hours during the day. They LOVE it and get mad at me when I put them back in. It has been in the 80's here though. This weekend is supposed to be colder (50's) so they probably will only get a half hour or so. You can tell if they are cold, they will huddle in a bunch instead of running around and exploring.

 

[shandiane78]

I'm anxious to get mine outside, but it's only 46 degrees here.

Boooooooooo! I would like to know...What's the minimum temp for letting them have some outside time?

 

[bock]

Quote:
I would say about 65 degrees min. good luck!

 

[shandiane78]

Thanks bock! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we'll get there any time soon.

 

[Kukendame]

I feel your pain!! I also have 5 week old chicks bored with the inside.
We had snow today!

 

[vlapinta]

Can you put them outside if they are not on medicated feed?

Vicki

 

[elsathecat]

I'm in Seattle so I know what you are talking about. I put my 3 1/2 week old chicks outside for a few minutes earlier this week. It was probably low 50s. They did not enjoy it. Just stood there looking at each other, literally shivering. Poor babes! Will try Sunday when it is supposed to be high 50s.

 

[Mrs. Green Thumbs]

UGH! Yah here in California were just starting to warm up and my 2 week old's are DYING to get out into the sunshine.... I think I'll go for it for a half hour in the sun tomorrow with the bigger girls. If they look cold I'll wait another week.