What behavior should you expect when moving your chicks outdoors?

[Bantam Babes]

I have 6 8 week old chicks that have been going outside on nice days since about 2 weeks old. Recently we started the transition to move them outdoors into their chicken tractor, leaving them out during the day and bringing them in at night. Tonight is their first night staying out and they are 'crying' and restless. It is about 70 degrees during the day and 40 degrees at night. I thought maybe they were cold so I gave them a heat lamp but they are still so loud. They have food/water/etc. Are they just stressed out from the transition? Was it too early to put them out or am I just an overly worried first time chicken owner?

 

[Judy]

They are plenty old enough to be out without heat. They are reacting to the change in their world. Give them a little time.

 

[Bantam Babes]

Okay. Thanks

Now I can get some sleep and not be worried.

 

[caspernc]

Yeah they will calm down quickly. You need to just calm down.