What age can I let baby chicks play outside?

[chrisxweaver]

I have 6 baby cornish cross that are 3 days old and I want to let them play outside I have their run ready for them I live in California and where I live it is 90 for the high today if I put them outside when its at its hottest will it be okay? The only real thing im worried about is Bugs there so small in not sure if they are strong enough to take a dirt bath to get off the bugs and im worried about a little bit of wind that might chill them down. Can I avoid the drafts by blocking it off on one side then putting the heat lamp on them too?

 

[lazy gardener]

They will be fine. are you around to supervise them? Chicks are instinctively able to dust bathe in the first week of life. Give them a bit of a wind break, and keep an eye on them. They'll let you know if they are cold. I'd be more worried about them overheating at those temps!

 

[chrisxweaver]

Yeah I can keep a eye on them I will put cardboard on the side the breaze is going and if they are all hudles together cause they are I will put the heat lamp on thanks! @lazy gardener

 

[hedi]

My chicks are 1 week old should I put them out side

 

[azygous]

My chicks are 1 week old should I put them out side

Yes. Just choose a nice day when the temp is at least 70F and there are no cold breezes. Watch for signs of chilling, huddling together, and bring them back inside.

You will be surprised at how long baby chicks are able to last away from their heat source.

Also make sure the chicks have access to shade if they are in the sun, and of course protect from predators from the sky as well as ground.

 

[Poultry keeper2]

I have 6 baby cornish cross that are 3 days old and I want to let them play outside I have their run ready for them I live in California and where I live it is 90 for the high today if I put them outside when its at its hottest will it be okay? The only real thing im worried about is Bugs there so small in not sure if they are strong enough to take a dirt bath to get off the bugs and im worried about a little bit of wind that might chill them down. Can I avoid the drafts by blocking it off on one side then putting the heat lamp on them too?

Yeah just keep a close eye on them making sure no prediters get near them.