South Florida First Time Chicks

[rmahoney]

Hi, We have four, two week old chicks. It is Mid-July here in South Florida, really south, and it is hot. Day time around 85 and night time around 80 at the coolest. Chicks are currently in brooder in house with heat source at correct temp according to their activity and the chart. We want to move them to the coop (3' x 3') as soon as possible. It is secure and ventilated and under a tree and only receives sun partially. There are no other hens. I am thinking to move them out to coop in three weeks and then keep them in there for another two weeks (?) and then release to run during the day. I plan to let them in to the yard outside the run until they are about five months (?).

I have searched as many threads on BYC as I could find but none seem to describe South Florida situation exactly.

Any advice? Would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC!

If the weather stays warm like that, you can move them out into the coop when they are four weeks of age and keep them in there for a week to three weeks so they imprint on it. However, be cautious, as high heat can be as stressful as the cold. Once they are imprinted on the coop and run (when they are around 10-15 weeks of age at the latest, depending on when they are introduce to them) they should be safe to free-range.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any question you may have.

Best of luck!