Too cold for my meaties?

[max13077]

I have 30 cornish roasters that are 4 weeks old today. They went outside this morning for the first time. I'm kind of worried because it's unseasonable cool, 57 degrees right now. I just went out to check on them and they're all hudled together like I would expect. Do you think it's too cold for them outside?

 

[willheveland]

Depending on how feathered out they are it may be alittle cool for them.You may want to tarp the 2 sides of prevailing wind and hang a heat lamp just in case they want to get under it.
You are not too far from me and it's been wet and windy here the past few days.
Will

 

[spook]

I have 6 week old cornish x and like wise with low temps. I think its easier on them being on the cool side then over heated. They can huddle for warmth.If you keep a light on 24 hrs a day the just tarp one side to stop the breeze. I placed a tote in with them so they can go in that for "safety or heat" . Good luck!

 

[max13077]

They are pretty much fully feathered out. I built them a three-sided lean to sort of thing in the pen with a roof, two sides, and the back. The front is open. I put a layer of wood shavings on the bottom of it to try and insulate them from the ground.

Yeah Will, I can't believe how cool and wet it's been lately. Seems like it's muddy and wet all the time. Then when you get a nice day to dry out, it rains the next day.

 

[mmajw]

They will be fine at those temps as long as they have a dry place to be. If they are outside soaking wet and those temps they may get too chilled.
The produce a lot of their own body heat and when they are cold they will cuddle together.

 

[max13077]

I was freaking out cause we had a bad t-storm last night from 2am to about 4. Sucking it up, I went outside a couple of times to check on them. They seemed oblivious to the lightening, thunder, and heavy rain on the roof. They were all curled up napping peacefully.

 

[AnthonyT]

Its amazing how oblivious they can be to thunderstorms.