Raising chicks outside??

[camershek]

Over the winter I lost 7 chickens and 2 bunnies somehow
I'm down to 2 at the moment but want to get maybe 10 new chicks. I also recently got a cat so raising them in the house is no longer an option. I have my bunnies hutch that would be perfect free perfect size for the number of chicks I want. But I have a question for you. I plan to completely close off the sides off the hutch to make it as draft free as possible and plan to put a light inside.

I'm in Michigan, it's currently getting down to low-mid twenties at night.. if sealed properly, will this be a problem? I overdue everything so I'll probably silicone the outside seams to be safe. There will most likely be a small draft where the lid closes, is this going to be harmful?

What size bulb should I use? I don't want to wake up to chicken nuggets one morning.

Hoping to get some advice about raising outside before I accidentally kill a bunch of babies! Don't wanna buy them until I know they'll be safe.

Thank you!

 

[Pork Pie]

Keeping chicks out of direct drafts is important, but the coop / broody must still have a good air flow.

This search should provide you with some ideas - https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=mamma+heating+pad The first link is particularly useful as not only does it provide an alternative to a heat lamp, but it also shows photos of some set-ups (if i remember correctly).

Similarly, this link will be helpful - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors

Best of luck
CT