how soon can I put them outside

boundarybunnyco · #1 03/31/12, 07:43 PM

I have some 3 or 4 week old chicks, and some 2 or three week old chicks. The older ones are pretty well feathered. When can they go outside with a heat lamp.

Our Little Farm · #2 03/31/12, 08:32 PM

I put mine outdoors at 3 days old with a heat lamp, in an outdoor brooder with snow on the ground. They have done just fine.

eclipchic · #3 03/31/12, 08:49 PM

Our mama hen had her 2-3 day old chicks out today and it was really cool....only mid 50s to 60s. Most of the time they were foraging and being chicks, only occasionally going back to mama for warmth. Mama hen knows best! I'd say as long as they have a place to warm up and plenty of food and water, let them enjoy the outdoors. I'd maybe give them a platform to get of the wet ground though, I can imagine that would make them cold faster if they get wet.

boundarybunnyco · #4 03/31/12, 08:51 PM

they'll be in a barn/coop. I'll shut them in a stall to keep the roosters away. I can put a heat lamp in there, and close the door. They should be fine, right?

eclipchic · #5 03/31/12, 08:54 PM

most likely. Barn cats are probably going to be your biggest worry I'd think if you have any.

boundarybunnyco · #6 03/31/12, 09:04 PM

well I've covered the top of the stall with metal roofing, to in fact make it a chicken coop inside the barn.