Reassure me about outdoor brooding!

[Mom2LotsOBoys]

Can someone just reassure me I’m not about to kill my chicks?!

Nighttime lows are in the 30s-40s, with days hovering in the 50-60 range. I have a draft free brooder box next to the house, and a mama hen heating pad set up inside a cardboard box (so three sides of that spot enclosed) in the brooder for extra heat and draft protection. It feels cozy to me but I’m having nerves lol.

Will this be okay? I have seven chicks coming today and three more next week.

In the photo, that open spot is covered by industrial saran wrap so it’s not drafty, but lets in light.

 

[Mom2LotsOBoys]

The temp is dropping and it’s windy but no drafts I can feel in the brooder. The loud cheeping stopped and they’re all mostly quiet underneath. Sound okay?

 

[Yardmom]

Yes if they are a happy quiet they are warm enough. I'm sure you will keep an eye on them as the temperature drops.

 

[21hens-incharge]

It will be ok.

I am brooding chicks in my shop right now. The building is not insulated and in fact was a big coop I had built years ago so has open soffits as well as 11 windows that don't seal 100%. We have had night time lows in the low to mid teens and highs not hitting 35. So far so good! They are all thriving nearly a week old now.

I have brooded outside in a barn or coop many times before with these temps. As long as they have adequate heat, thawed water, plenty of food and light during the day they should be just fine.
Do check often for pasty butt as shipped chicks this time of year seem a bit more prone to that.

 

[Mom2LotsOBoys]

It will be ok.

I am brooding chicks in my shop right now. The building is not insulated and in fact was a big coop I had built years ago so has open soffits as well as 11 windows that don't seal 100%. We have had night time lows in the low to mid teens and highs not hitting 35. So far so good! They are all thriving nearly a week old now.

I have brooded outside in a barn or coop many times before with these temps. As long as they have adequate heat, thawed water, plenty of food and light during the day they should be just fine.
Do check often for pasty butt as shipped chicks this time of year seem a bit more prone to that.

That makes me feel much better! Thank you

 

[fuzzi]

That makes me feel much better! Thank you

How's it coming along?

I'm also doing outside brooding for the first time, and those 30° nights worry me just a bit. So far my ten chicks appear healthy and happy, active and growing feathers on wings and tails!

 

[Mom2LotsOBoys]

How's it coming along?

I'm also doing outside brooding for the first time, and those 30° nights worry me just a bit. So far my ten chicks appear healthy and happy, active and growing feathers on wings and tails!

Aside from one new one, they’re all doing great! Very active, seemingly healthy happy chicks.