When can I keep them outside?

[ChicksNSlippers]

ChicksNSlippers

I have 2 baby chicks about 2-3 weeks old I let them run around in a small pen outside they seem happy and they were running up and down my legs and climbing up my arms and sitting on my shoulder I brought them inside in a box and now they are chirping loudly and only shut up after I put them in my lap should I permanently put them outside?

 

[Judy]

Have you already turned the heat lamp off? They need to be gradually acclimated to the temperature change, and need at least a couple of nights without a heat lamp before moving outside.

Honestly, I would probably move them, in my climate, though I'm sure others will disagree. They will need a snug, draft free spot to sleep at night, especially for the first few weeks, with plenty of hay or whatever to snuggle into and together. Where I live, the lows for the next week will be about 60. If you have a large coop, then a smaller space that they can warm with their body heat might be good (like a large cardboard box open on one end) -- or you might find they aren't even interested in this much shelter. During the day, they will be delighted to have the freedom and access to the ground. Remember that to some extent they may have been using you for warmth.

 

[ChicksNSlippers]

Yes my heat lamp is off they never got under it even when I reduced the temperature my home stays around 80 degrees F and when I got them they were about 1 or 2 weeks old and they are about twice as large now but I think in need a lot of shelter because they hurried back to their box whenever there was wind blowing or a bird stated tweeting I'll definitely need some hay though
:cd

 

[Mommaw]

Can someone advise me? I have 2 momma hens and babies one week old in E Va. When can they stay outside. I have them in boxes in the garage. I have to be gone til 20th and have neighbors watching them. Should I leave then in boxes or put then in a pen with small house outside with their moms? Which should I do?

 

[gander007]

My 3 week old chicks outside for the day in late January 2014
and I brought them in and the temp drooped below 50F in the
evenings ..