Question about leaving 6 week old chicks outside *EDIT*

[greenguitarchick]

I'm debating whether to bring the chicks inside this afternoon. They are just over 6 weeks old and have their feathers in.

They go out during the day most of the time unless the weather is bad. It's been around 65 during the days... tonight it's supposed to be 38-40...

My Brother has invited us to a dinner and I'm curious if i can leave them outside for part of the night. Do you think it would be safe? I don't want to leave them indoors because we have a dog who has munched a baby chicken before.

Any thoughts? I thought about locking the dog out but he's blind and diabetic and needs access to his food and stuff..he's mainly an indoor dog.

EDIT****

They do have a coop with a house that has straw in it. I've had them for 6 weeks, when i got them they had just begun getting their feathers in as well.. I'm not sure on the age of them completely because i don't know how long it takes for them to get their feathers.

I'll bring them in when i get home tonight, probably around 10ish, as well.

 

[debilorrah]

They are too young to be able to keep themselves warm at night. That is very early to be fully feathered.... are you sure? No more tufts of down?

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Will they roost and do they have a place that is draft free to stay in? I think they will be alright if you can provide those things.

 

[greenguitarchick]

Quote:
They may be a little older than 6 weeks..we've had them for 6 weeks so that's what i go by...they were already getting feathers in when we got them... but yeah no more down or anything..they're fully feathered.

 

[debilorrah]

Ok they are probably 12 weeks if they were already feathering when you got them, so they are probably ok. Make sure they have a draft free place to sleep with a roost.

 

[sandy sea]

Can you put them in box in the garage or locked bathroom while you are gone. Seems too young to be left outside to me.

 

[bigmike&nan]

Quote:
BRING THEM IN... you can never be too safe with your babies.

 

[Judy]

You said part of the night -- so you plan on at least checking on them when you get home, sounds like. I would. But then I'd probably have them out there 24/7 at this point.

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

my peeps go out at exactly 6 weeks, with a heat lamp for the first few days just to help ease them into it, but then that's it.

isn't 6 weeks the magic age at which all the instruction manuals tell you to throw them outside?

 

[Chickenmaven]

Leave them outside in their secure coop?
Or in the yard? I'm not sure what you're asking.