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When can I put them outside?

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by sadie423, Feb 18, 2008.

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  1. Feb 18, 2008 #1
    sadie423

    sadie423 In the Brooder

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    Feb 16, 2008
    Our chicks are about 1.5 wks old. We have them in a box in our playroom. That room doesn't have heat but proabably gets about 45 deg at night when it is real cold outside and they are doing fine with the heat lamp. We have a lamp in the henhouse- a converted metal insulated shed, but I would think it would be colder out there at night. I was hoping at like 4wks I could move the box out- will they be warm enough? (We are in TN, with fickle weather, sometimes in the 70s sometimes in the teens)
    Thanks
    Sarah
     
  2. Feb 18, 2008 #2
    justusnak

    justusnak Flock Mistress

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    Feb 28, 2007
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    Ideally, you wont want to put them out untill they are at least 8 weeks old, and completely feathered out. They can catch a cold. At 1.5 weeks old, they should still be at a temp of 85 to 90 degrees. If they get too cold, they will pile up, and ultimately, smother a few of the unfortunate ones on the bottom.
     
  3. Feb 18, 2008 #3
    Marlinchaser

    Marlinchaser Songster

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    Oct 18, 2007
    MERRY LAND
    You can put them out from day one. Provided you can give them enough heat 90 to start with then drop by 5 degrees each week till fully feathered. Usually 8-10 weeks depending on the breed. You just need big enough heatlamp or lamps to maintiain area sufficient in size for all chicks to stay warm without overcrowding. Also you do not want them in a drafty area.
     

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