When can I let my chicks outside in an enclosed area?

[KaylaLuvsYou]

I have 49 chicks! Well I had 50 but one died. I have 19 Rhode Island Red Hens, 2 Rhode Island Red Roos, 10 Australorp Hens, 1 Australorp Roo, 10 Wyandotte Hens, 1 Roo, 5 Ameraucana hens and 1 roo. I have a big brooding box for them and a big coop they will eventually be moved into when their older.

So getting to the point! lol How old do my chicks have to be to run around in an inclosed area if its 70 degrees out?

 

[AlienChick]

You can put them outside on sunny days.
Provide some shade for them to escape the sun.
Watch them.
If they're huddled together for long periods of time, they may be too cold and you can just move them back inside.
I usually allow mine to go outside on sunny days after they're a week old.
Mom takes her baby chicks out for walks when they're 4-5 days old.

 

[KaylaLuvsYou]

Ok Thanks! Mine are almost a week. Also do you think it will be fine having 45 hens and 5 roosters? Will the roosters kill eachother? They grew up together but I dont know if that would make a difference.

 

[Sonia]

I've had even more roos than females at some times. Never once had any actually kill each other. Ours DO have 25 acres to roam though so space to spread out may make your situation more complicated.

 

[redsoxs]

! I agree with the time frame and temperature. Make sure they have shade as well. That rooster - hen ratio might be a little rooster heavy - I think 3 or 4 would be sufficient. I think you will have more problems with the hens being over bred (feather loss on the backs) than the roosters fighting. I had 18 hens and 1 rooster and mine were getting over bred - finally had to retire the rooster to the freezer.

 

[KaylaLuvsYou]

Ok they will be able to free range when their older and we have 110 acres so I think im good for space.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!