Staying outside all night for the first time

[Clare_CA]

Hi there, my chicks are three weeks old now, and I've been letting them outside during the day to enjoy the undeveloped veggie bed area. Unfortunately, I lost one baby chick to a red-tail hawk while I was in the house. So today, I put the chicken wire over the bed instead of around it so they will be protected. This area is only temporary until our coop and run is built. They seem to enjoy being outside a whole lot more than in their large cardboard boxes that they live in at night. I have made the area dig-proof, and I was thinking of putting a large plastic rubbermaid bin in there with some wood shavings for them to sleep in along with two 250 watt lights. I can also cover the chicken that is on top with a canvas tarp. It is supposed to be a low of 45 tonight. What do you think about this. Are the chicks able to handle the cold night air if there is overhead shelter and a couple of lights to keep them warm? I know this area looks terrible, but it is only temporary. Thanks for your help.

 

[newchik715]

I would say no. I would keep them inside or wherever it is you have them now until their coop is done and you can secure them better. but then again i am a way paranoid chick mommy!

 

[dieselgrl48]

Well you asking a manic here lol

. I hatched OEGB"S and silkies on Xmas.They been in their outside coops only a couple maybe 3 weeks.The OE's had free range in the basement and the silkies were in an old playpen in basement as well.Its still cold here night's(30's some 40's) but the bird's were feathered out good and I STILL worry about them.3 week's seem's to be a bit young to me unless they are hen hatched.I had a silkie hatch late Nov one year 10 chicks and it was COLD and she only lost one.I know it's hard if you don't have extra space in a garage or basement or and extra bldg. Just keep them a good heat lamp they will usualy go to the heat to stay warm and keep their water away from the area they sleep to keep them dry I'm sure they would be ok. Good Luck DG

 

[speckledhen]

Anything can chew through chicken wire. They will not be safe in that makeshift area all night, sorry. No way would I leave them out there or you may be posting tomorrow that they're all dead. Hate to be that blunt, but chicken wire is only to keep chickens in, not predators out.

 

[nanawendy]

I agree with above. I wouldn't take that chance. Besides it's easier to look @ them in the house... their still so dang cute.

 

[Cetawin]

That will be fine if you have named them Chicken Sandwich, Chicken N Rice, BBQ, Roasted and in white wine sauce. Chicken wire will keep chickens in but nothing out, they would be lucky to survive one night.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you could make a box outside, like a solid wooden box, and put in one heat lamp in that, they would be fine, but I don't see a hard shelter in the pics. So on drafts alone, I'd bring them inside. Mine are all brooded outside, but they are in a 2x4 plywood box and the door to their run is closed at night.

 

[Clare_CA]

Thanks, everyone. I'll keep them in until their shelter is built. I appreciate the help.