Ready to go outside?

[Eagleman]

We have five chicks about 3.5-4 weeks old. They have been in the brooder indoors most of the time but seem to be getting bored (and big!). Today we took two out into the backyard and they freaked out and started panting and getting panicky. It is in the low 90's and they had shade and water. We want to start taking them outside more and more and getting them acclimated but are not sure how much time we can keep them out there. We would love to just move them outside but are not sure they are ready...it is in the low to high 90's here everyday and gets down to the low 50's at the coldest at night (it doesn't cool down until after 9 pm and we could shut them in the coop or keep them in the brooder cage outside.

Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks!!

 

[Wildsky]

They can stay out all day if its nice and warm.

I have a mom hen and her baby - and she keeps that little one out scratching around all day long!

For nights, I think you should wait a little longer.... they don't have all their feathers yet and might get chilled. Give it a week and see how they handle the nights - keep en eye on them the first night.