Taking chicks outside

[zimmy]

People say to wait till after five weeks, but by then, they won't be my babies anymore

I live in Florida, and it's usally 80-something+, so if the temp matches (or almost matches) the temp of the brooder at the time, is it okay to take them for a little outdoor venture?

Oh, and on a side note-- Having the chicks outside of their brooder for more than, say, 30 minutes when they're about a week. Is that bad?

 

[justusnak]

If the temp outside is around 80 degrees, I see no reason to NOT take them out. Just watch them, if they act cold, they will huddle. I would say, the first few times, 30 min would be good....then slowly increase thier out time. They will love it!

 

[cornishman]

let em get thier feathers before you leave them outside...better keep em in a "small wire" pen so that nothing can get em...don't let em get rained on...in other words keep a close watch on em all the time! cornishman.

 

[zimmy]

qwYAY!

And, Cornishman? Chickens are outlawed in the neighborhood, so I have to give them to a friend when they're about 5-6 weeks

(Although every time we pass a house wish a bigger yard than ours, which is like 10x10 it seems, I bug me mum about chickens ^.^v)

 

[girlsnboys]

Weather conditions and the comfort of your chicks should be your guide. Just make sure you have them in a clean area (no pesticides/herbicides where they'll be) and safe from any hazards or predators.