Outside time

[River campbell]

What age can I take my chicks outside during the day for a play?

 

[River campbell]

Would be for like 30 minutes in 20c heat

 

[rosemarythyme]

Technically they can be out "any time" as long as they have a spot they can warm up in, shelter from the elements, and are adequately fenced in so they can't escape/try to escape and get stuck.

Assuming you don't plan on bringing out a heat source, 2 weeks or so would be fine for half hour in those temps.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Broody hens take their chicks out soon after they hatch, even if the weather is colder than that. 20 C = 68 F. The chicks run around until they get cold, then go under the hen to warm up. Some chicks get cold faster than others. I'd want a place where a cold wind is not hitting them, they will last a lot longer out of a breeze.

I haven't used a thermometer with my chicks for a long time so I can't give you any kind of chart based on age, temperature, and time. I go by their body language. My suggestion is to take them out and observe them. When they tell you they are cold take them in so they can warm up.

 

[River campbell]

How would I keep my chicks from dying, its going to be 35c around 99f in a few days, what can I do to keep them cool?

 

[rosemarythyme]

They should be fine in 99F with access to shade and plenty of ventilation. Some electrolytes in the water during the heat wave may help.

 

[River campbell]

ight

 

[River campbell]

are chicks meant to eat their own poo?

 

[rosemarythyme]

are chicks meant to eat their own poo?

Are they deliberately eating it? They might eat a bit on accident (or if they're with a broody, it's normal if they eat a little bit of the hen's, for some immunity), but I've never seen them eating noticeable amounts on purpose.

 

[River campbell]

I mean entire poops go missing