Too big for brooder but outside is too cold

[Tikka]

I have chicks between 6 and 7 weeks old now. One clucks if things get exciting enough. They are too big for the box, and the weather forecast keeps pushing a supposed window of 40 degree lows back day by day. I'm thinking I'm just going to have to set up a second brood box and split my four older girls from the four little girls. The older ones (the black stars and welsummers) I think would be okay without the brood lamp at this point. We've been turning off the brood lamp at night for the last week.

Space is an issue, but I think I will bring a card table in and have one brooder on top and the other underneath (raised by a couple of inches so it's not right on the floor). I guess the only thing I don't already have is a second feed box, but I was probably going to have to get that anyway.

I kind of worry we haven't played with them enough. Hopefully it's not too late.

 

[ChikeeMomma]

I think they would be okay outside with a brooder heat lamp. I have one week old outside in my coop with a light on at all times. It has been in the low 30s overnight, but last night it got down to 18 degrees (should be a one night only forecast). Mine have been fine. So if you have an area in your coop that you could put the lamp in, I'd think they'd be fine.

 

[RThomas]

I put mine out at 3 weeks. They have a lamp, of course. Lows in the 30's and 40's. Been out for a week now. No problems at all, and glad to have them out of the house

At 6-7 weeks they should be fine.

 

[pdsavage]

As long as they have heat and are draft free they should be ok,mine went out in the growout pen(wich is and old potting shed with a door) at a week old with a heat light they did fine....