I'm in WI, at what temperature can I put chicks outside?

[ElCerritoPlace]

I have some chicks who are 8 weeks old, one younger. I would like the older ones to go outside to their coop, but our temps are still low 30s at night and 40s during the day. Can they go out if I run an extension cord and a Heat lamp? Sorry I'm a newbie, and I'm sure this is asked all the time but I couldn't find a thread that related to this cool of temps.

 

[Hillschicks]

Im in michigan and we put 3 week old chicks out... Temps have been between 15-40 ... They are fine with no heat lamp, at 8 weeks i would put them out with NO worrys

 

[Hillschicks]

I wouldnt base it on temperature, id base it on feathers... Once the down is gone and feathers are in they are good, especially if there is multiple birds... They will huddle for heat if they need it... They are much more durable than people think.. Ive NEVER lost one to "too cold" ... Plus using heat lamps longer slows there progress for gettimg acclimated to our type of weather... The sooner the heat source is gone the better off they'll be... In my oppiniom

 

[MamaAB]

Ok so I live in Missouri and have been wondering this as well...when can they go out in the coop. So I would assume once they get feathers I can kick them on out there right?

 

[Hillschicks]

Once they are feathered i would say do it... I dont know the current weather in missouri, but if its not brutal cold they will be fine... It does depend a bit on breeds as some breeds do better in cold than others, but i find most people coddle them well past time to go... Like i said, in michigan he temps have been between 15-40 degrees and we put our 3 week old chicks outside... They are all alive, healthy, and happy that they arent in a brooder anymore... Obviously we would have preferred it not get down to 15 the one night, but it did, and they didnt seem too bothered by it

 

[Hillschicks]

Keep in mind this is just my way of doing things... Ive never lost a chick before... Some people say start at 95 and go back 5 degrees until your down to like 70 ... I say thats WAY overkill... Once they are feathered they are a chicken and not a chick in my oppinion... And the faster you cut back the heat the faster they feather out... Why would that happen?? Because nature prepares them for the world... They survived thousands of years before heat lamps... And howvlong would a hen sit on them?? I dont know personally ive never had a broody take care of hens, but i assume by a few weeks they are good to go

 

[MamaAB]

Thank you! I better get my husband on the "go" on the coop haha

 

[Hillschicks]

Thats how the little women motivated me to build a coop... Walked in the door with chicks lol... Figured i better get going with it

 

[ElCerritoPlace]

Thanks! Now I'll just need the rain/snow to stop to be able to paint the coop