Putting brooder outside?

[emileeg]

Is there a reason to not keep a draft-free brooder outside, since it's summer and warm outdoors? I'd still keep a heat lamp and monitor the temperature, as well as keep it secure, but outdoors would just be SO much more convenient.... Most of what I've read seems to mostly be concerned with getting chicks used to colder temps, but it won't get cold here for quite a while, and we're hoping to have our chicks before then.

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

[bradleyscott]

I'm keeping mine in a 4 x 10 pen outside and I haven't had any issues. I refuse to have them in my house past a few days old because they stink.

 

[donrae]

I never, ever brood in the house. All that dust and stuff--yuck!
My chicks are brooded in galvanized stock tanks in the barn. They do fine.

Just be sure your brooder is large enough for them to get out from under the heat. As you stated, most folks are worried about the chicks getting too cold, but I see more deaths her from roasting the chicks than too cold. The heat lamp needs to offer them a warm place to go, like a momma hen would, but they need to be able to get out from under it to ambient temp, also.