When to move to outside coop

[Becks Chicks]

My last batch of chicks went into the brooder in the coop on day 1. I didn’t lose any chicks.

This batch of chicks I kept in the unheated mudroom because it’s been especially cold. We lost 6 in the first 48 hours. I’m positive it was from the low temp during shipping. They all look to be thriving now. I have one batch that is 12 days old today and the other is 10 days old. Given their rough start, do you think they are ready to go in the outside brooder with the heat plates? It is supposed to be low 40s warming up to mid 50s this weekend.

The outside brooder keeps them protected from wind and rain. This is a pic from last year. My husband extended the brooder today one additional cube section and made it all plywood so it’s like a huddle space.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't see why not. Unfortunate that you lost some, probably due to lower than normal temperatures this year.

 

[Becks Chicks]

I don't see why not. Unfortunate that you lost some, probably due to lower than normal temperatures this year.

Super unfortunate. I’m a little traumatized from it. I should have used a heat lamp to warm them up for the first day or two. I thought the heat plates would be sufficient. If I buy shipped chicks again when it’s unusually cold, I’ll use the heat lamp in addition to the plates.