Temp Dropping Outside, chicks out side

[2txmedics]

Ok, need to know just saw news and I just put my chicks outside yesterday I need to know if they will be ok...Ive got them in a predator safe mini coop, its the one I had my Porc. D'uccles when I got them for 1mo.

The coop is made out of a wood frame base, covered in chicken wire, with two pieces of tin over a section and then with a two small tarps over that for protection from the sun/rain.

we do have a small lean to that we made but its not big enough for all of them to fit into without being crowded in...but its just a lean to, open...basically it was for just roosting with a little roof on it...

Is this going to be too cold for them? tonight...temps going to 68 and with the dew and all...if not I need to know now before it gets too late and dark...can I cover it completely in tarps??? put something in there for them to huddle in? with shavings??? They are 23 days old

here in this pic. you can barely see it...this is when I had my proc. d'uccles in it...had to put the babies out and this was all I had for now, our kennel I was gonna put up today, I couldnt do with two people and me injuried so...have to wait until possibly next week.

SUGGESTIONS.....

ITS THE LITTLE ONE BY THE MAIN COOP AND WE DONT HAVE ANY RUNNING LIGHT OUT THAT WAY....we have to use along ext. cord and we dont want to do that. for safety reasons.

 

[jthayerkatz]

first off, HOW MANY chicks? are there enough for them too cuddle together for warmth?
Next, at this age we keep the babies at 80 degrees day and night, if you have no heat source in the area for them how about hot water bottles or something of the sort to give them warmth.
68 is not terrible if they are protected from draft and moisture and can cuddle. but I would definately add some form of heat for them just in case. they are only babies still. It will also depend on the breed are they fast or slow feathering. some of our birds were very well feathered at three weeks and others were still downy and not as well protected from temp. variation.
Lots of variables but the biggest thing is too watch their behaviour are the huddleing together and acting chilled? if so they are too cold if they are just lounging and sleeping then they are fine.
Good Luck.

 

[TXmom]

Covered in tarps would probably be good enough...to keep out the wind, but they do need some ventilation for fresh air. And maybe you can put something warm in there, like a hot water bottle...if you don't have a regular hot water bottle, you could make something with a milk jug or 2-liter bottle...fill it with hot water and they can snuggle up to it if they need to.

 

[Ridgerunner]

As mentioned, are there enough to huddle. Keep them out of drafts. Give them someting to snuggle with and under, like hang a feather duster or something with strands coming down so they can get under it and it can keep them warm. I don't know what you have handy, but if you have something like a sheepskin with the wool on that you can hang a few inches high so they can get under it. Huddled under something like that, they can stay very warm. Give them enough clearance so they don't suffocate.

 

[2txmedics]

Yeah that was my concern about being babies. They are buffs and one cuckoo maran. Know better enough to know about ventilation. I can always catch them n put them back in the house in the brooder. Just didn't want to have to move too much. Tks there are 12 of them

 

[farmin'chick]

Yep -- I'd probably put them back in the brooder, since it's been real warm where you are....but also, if you read the Predators thread, I'd suggest you cover the chicken wire on your little coop with hardware cloth. "Chicken wire only keeps chickens in, it won't keep predators out."

 

[sbarab]

I think they will be fine. Weather is now only calling for low of 74 tonight.

 

[TXmom]

How did your chicks do last night? Did you leave them outside, or decide to bring them in?

I have a broody that hatched eggs yesterday and last night, and everybody seems good this morning, but the babies are staying under Mommy to stay warm. Yesterday when it was hot, they were out where we could see them. I can't wait for it to warm up out there so I can see my new babies! (Ummmmm...since when do I WANT it to warm up outside????? Something is wrong with me...)