The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Mammyshaz on May 17, 2014, 07:27:16 am
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I'm pondering on whether our chicks are too young to go outside for part of the day over the weekend :thinking:
They are two weeks old so only part feathered. The weather here today is warm 21-23c and sunny.
Would they be ok out in a little broody coop and run on grass if I put their broody hen heater out in the coop with them?
There are 11 fluttering chicks in a guineapig cage and I thought going out would give them more room to flutter around but don't want them getting chilled if it is too early for them.
What would you do? :chook:
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At 21'C I'd be very surprised if they came to any harm. If they can have their heater so they have the option of warming up, they'll be fine. If they were under a broody no doubt they'd be outside briefly from a day or two old, but have mum to snuggle back under.
Keep an eye on them, if they spend a good bit of time fluttering up and down and scratching great. If they spend the day in a clump under e heater, take them back inside. I like chicks to have space and be outside if possible, if weathers nice. Maybe they're just as happy in the home that they know, but I like getting them outside.
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out so long as they have a heat source to go back to and are secure let them run around and feel the grass under there feet!!!
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Ours were going out for a little while each day by that age. The feathers seem to grow quicker on those that were outdoor (ie. the ones with the mum). its going to be a lovely day today across the UK apparently!
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Should be fine. Try to put them in a sheltered spot, out of draughts and with some shade.
They'll enjoy it! :chook: ;D
Cross posted with Plums .... and yeah, just come in from outside jobs and its even warm up here, and dry, and sunny, and blue sky and ..... :excited: :sunshine:
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Mine are 12 days old and have gone out today they are having a great time!
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We've got 6 in a broody coop in the garden at 2 days old and they were out all day yesterday, not under mum. Seemed quite happy. As long as they have the option of some heat, they will sort themselves out.
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Thanks everyone.
They have been out for the last few days and seem to love it. They have had their heater just in case but spent most of their time hoping on the branch and sunbathing.
I tried to post yesterday with pictures of them having fun but couldn't get the photos on so gave up :'(
Day indoors tomorrow due to storm forecast :raining: