I'm trying hard to go by the books with my first little chicks. I figure when I've got some knowledge under my belt I can wing it a bit, but while I'm still learning I ought to go by the book.
I've found all the info on keeping them in the brooder and what temp it should be and lowering it 5 degrees each week.... but I can't find anything that says if they can leave the toasty red light of the brooder and hang out in the back yard for a bit.
We took them out when they were about 4 days old just to get some photos and they seemed to enjoy it. We sat there with them, of course. We only have 3 chicks, so I know they need to be under our watchful eye. But then I wondered - can they be outside for an hour? two hours? or is 5 minutes long enough and they should get straight back in the brooder under the light?
None of this stuff is in the books! LOL
I suppose I should mention that I live in Florida and it's in the mid-80s here.
I've found all the info on keeping them in the brooder and what temp it should be and lowering it 5 degrees each week.... but I can't find anything that says if they can leave the toasty red light of the brooder and hang out in the back yard for a bit.
We took them out when they were about 4 days old just to get some photos and they seemed to enjoy it. We sat there with them, of course. We only have 3 chicks, so I know they need to be under our watchful eye. But then I wondered - can they be outside for an hour? two hours? or is 5 minutes long enough and they should get straight back in the brooder under the light?
None of this stuff is in the books! LOL
I suppose I should mention that I live in Florida and it's in the mid-80s here.