Tell me if this is just crazy newbie talk...

[AnaD]

It will be 70 degrees for the next few days. Would it be silly of me to let my three 2 1/2 week old chicks out for some play time in the backyard with an available heatlamp near by?
They have just been so rowdy and noisy and I feel like some extra mental stimulation might make them happy. Or I could just go outside and ignore their pathetic attempts at freedom and enjoy the sun myself.

 

[rearrolled]

omg yes u r crazy

 

[bunnibird55]

It depends a lot on your ground temperature. I personally would be afraid of putting them out yet - where do you live? I always err on the side of keeping them in.....

 

[NoseyChickens]

When the weather is nice I will often bring my chicks outside for a limited amount of play time, even when they are not fully feathered yet. I mean, at that age they are not under the mother hen 24/7. I keep them in an enclosed area and stay with them the entire time. But they enjoy getting out and scratching around in the grass. It's good for them, as long as they don't get too cold.

 

[herefordlovinglady]

keep them contained with the heat lamp and let them enjoy some grass under their feet. they will love the sunshine and the new environment.

 

[AnaD]

Northern Cali. It has been warm for over a week and the grass is dry.
We have an old childrens gate that locks in a circle and I was thinking of putting a pile of hay in a spot for them under the heat lamp which I just clip to the fence. I wouldn't keep them out too long because I have stuff to do...

 

[justmeandtheflock]

They should be fine, just watch for signs that they are getting cold. Enjoy

 

[Olive Hill]

I regularly let mine out in those temps -- not this time of year, I can only dream of 70s at this point. But in the summer, absolutely. Just keep an eye on them, they'll let you know if they're uncomfortable.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I just took some of my chicks that arrived on 1/31 from the hatchery out in the grass for TWO minutes in 40 degree air temps.

They didn't like it...but I always try to get my babies out of the brooder for brief periods quite early.

Just because that's what a momma would do.

I will start very slowly increasing the time they spend outside on the ground. 70 degrees should be fine for a very brief period of time- especially if sunny.

I don't think it is good for chicks to be in a brooder for weeks on end, with no scenery to entertain them.

However, one must be careful not to chill them for too long- I like to think of it as running out from under mama to see the world, then back under!

I always stay with them - like NoseyChickens.