When can the chicks go outside?

[Coastal Chick]

I have 7 orpingtons about 4 wks old and they have been under a light bulb and kept at about 80. It is 90+ outside today and put them out for the first time. I took the tray out of their cage (an old rabbit cage) and let them scratch around. They definitely needed to be in the shade. When they were in the sun they flattened out and panted. Kind of scared me. But they perked right up in the shade. They have been scratching around all afternoon. They seem to be very entertained.

I would like to put them outside in the run during the day and maybe even keep them in the coop overnight now with a light bulb on. Do you think they are still too young? If so, could I start keeping them outside all day in a closed in run with food and water and shade. Will they be able to regulate their temperature? They are starting to outgrow the cage and they are making quite a mess. A breeze was blowing all day but it did not seem to bother them. The sprinklers cut on and we all got wet before I could get them shut off. They dont seem to be bothered by that either. They also need more space since they are getting poop on themselves even though I clean the cage twice daily. A nice shower would probably help that!

 

[lightchick]

They can live outside right now. I had my chicks outside at 3 weeks and it was only 50 degrees outside at night.
BTW I didn't have a heat lamp for them either.

 

[Coastal Chick]

Should I be worried about drafts?

 

[nab58]

I'm about at the same stage as you with my 3 Easter Eggers. I'd love to get them outside. I feel bad that they're holed up in the basement in a cardboard box when there's so much going on outdoors.

 

[Coastal Chick]

I'm thinking that the temp would be about the same outside this week as it is in the air conditioning. I don't know what a chilled chick looks like. I have read that they are susceptible to drafts probably like any baby. They seem to be very happy now and their little thermometer still reads 85. Their coop is not finished so I was thinking of putting them on the screened porch with a blanket over part of the cage to keep the breeze out and put their light bulb on when the sun goes down. What do you think?

 

[Pinkaboo]

My run is very much shaded with large trees and I try to bring them out into the sun if the cats aren't about
They all lay on their sides sunbathing
Its difficult in a really hot place( UK,s hottest weather is 70s and that's a heat wave for us! We have hosepipe bans water shortages etc)
I think they will be ok with a breeze they will keep each other warm, you just need shade from direct sun
And fan or aircon if its very hot

 

[Coastal Chick]

Good to know. Thank you. I am a worried mama. I would not have known that it only reaches the 70's in the UK. Sounds lovely! I hope to visit one day.

 

[Pinkaboo]

Might of been a bit harsh we do get hotter days(though not yet this year)
Mind you who cares its so beautiful here whatever the weather

Maybe I should take my chicks to the beach

 

[Coastal Chick]

It looks absolutely wonderful. What a gift to live in such a beautiful place. I'm not sure the chicks would agree about the beach though! Our beach is beautiful also, but very flat here. No cliffs. My chicks are going to spend their first night outside. With a small light bulb. I guess I want to take things slowly. They are very precious.

 

[Pinkaboo]

It looks absolutely wonderful.  What a gift to live in such a beautiful place.  I'm not sure the chicks would agree about the beach though! Our beach is beautiful also, but very flat here. No cliffs.  My chicks are going to spend their first night outside.  With a small light bulb.  I guess I want to take things slowly.  They are very precious.  

I'm very tempted to go on eBay now and get a few solar lights for in the chicken run
Hopefully they will give some light into the coop
And maybe a solar powered water feature?!