Too hot outside for chicks?

[phieaglefan]

Hi everyone. I love how helpful this site is!

So I picked up 7 two week old RIRs yesterday. Hubby would like to NOT have them in the house, where they are right now.

This weekend our temps are coming down to a normal range - 100 daytime and 80 for a low temp. My question is, if I put the chicks in the shade, with possibly a small fan during the day, and a small bulb at night, can I keep them outside? Or is 100 degrees just too hot for a 2 week old to handle?

Thanks for any input!
Heidi

 

[sumi]

They should be fine as long as they have shade and plenty fresh water to drink. I don't know about using a fan on such small chicks though... Just keep an eye on them and see if they pant, then move them to a cooler spot.
BTW I love your avatar! Did you paint it?

 

[phieaglefan]

I appreciate the reply Sumi. It'll have to wait for tomorrow as they're still calling for 109 today. It hit 113 yesterday. UGH!

Glad you like my avatar. The answer to your question is sort of, but not really. I found a rooster painting online that I liked. I used it in a lower level and then painted over it on my iPad. Then I removed the original painting layer from the document and am left with just what I painted (on the iPad so not really painting). It's kind of like coloring for adults! I wish I could paint, but this is certainly less messy!

Heidi

 

[Nsampsel]

Chicks with shade & plenty of water at 2 weeks are fine outside. Mine go to the coop by 2 weeks (with no heat at night) as soon as temps stay above 70 at night. 4-5 week olds go as soon as it's above 50 at night. I always put them out in groups of at least 5 so they can huddle together if need be.

I know your concern is heat at this point. Just make sure they have plenty of cool water (maybe even add ice to it from time to time) and shade. Also, dampen the ground a bit where they are so they can lay down on it to cool themselves as well. My birds love to dig in damp sand & stretch out to cool themselves.

 

[ekofke201]

I think that you are going to be fine. My girls were nearly seven weeks by the time they got outside (I had an injury that held up coop production-- otherwise they would have been out sooner) but it was terribly hot and the run was not done (again injury, but they no longer fit in their brooder).

So, they were locked in the coop for an entire week in 95 degree heat with terrible humidity. I ended up adding ice to their water multiple times a day, putting in a milk jug full of frozen water, and put a fan in the coop. They were hot in the worst parts of the day, but survived nicely.

You should not need a light if it stays above 70 degrees, as mentioned before. My point, long winded as it is, I think they should be fine! Keep an eye on them and make adjustments as necessary. If they are able to get outside... even better.

Good luck!