Are you wondering when can chicks go outside? Raising chicks in a brooder cage is an exciting experience, but deciding when you can transfer them to the outside world can seem complicated. As with most projects we undertake, timing is essential! We have simplified the transition of chicks from a brooder cage to their permanent henhouse and enclosure. With a comfortable henhouse and well-respected good practices, you will find the right time and the right way to bring your chicks out safely.

WHEN CAN CHICKS GO OUTSIDE SAFELY?

If your chicks have been with you since they hatched, or if you got them shortly after, you probably remember how soft and fluffy (and cute) they were. However, these feathers which give the chick its downy appearance do not stay in place for long. You will soon notice that your once fluffy chicks are starting to look a little disheveled. This perfectly normal (although unsightly) phenomenon is simply the process of growing your pet’s adult feathers. Generally, these adult feathers should begin to appear between 7 and 14 days of age. Many factors determine how quickly these adult feathers will grow:

• Breed
• Food
• Temperature
• Care

Once you notice adult feathers growing on your chicks, begin to gradually lower the temperature in their brooder cage. Reduce the heat by 3 to 4°C each week until the brooder cage temperature is equal to room temperature. This gradual decrease in temperature will further facilitate their transition to the outside environment.

When your chicks reach 5 weeks of age, they have officially entered their “adolescence phase.” They may sport a convincing set of adult feathers, but like most adolescents, they’re not quite mature for the outside world! When chicks reach 6 to 8 weeks of age, it’s time to consider letting them out of the brooder cage and taking them on short, supervised excursions outside.

3 ESSENTIAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PUTTING YOUR CHICKS OUTSIDE

To help you determine if your chicks are ready to spend some time outdoors, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Do my chicks have all their adult feathers?
• Is the outside temperature above 15.5°C?
• Do they have a perfectly enclosed space?

When your chicks are fully clothed in their adult feathers, they can withstand temperatures down to 15.5°C. Sunny days are always best for bringing your chicks outside and they must stay dry in order to be able to regulate their body temperature. A fully enclosed chicken run is essential for introducing them to the outside world, especially if you can’t stay with them for the duration of the excursion.

TEMPERATURE AND CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS

Timing is everything when you need to move your chicks from the brooder cage to the coop, but if your chicks are at least 6 to 8 weeks old, they will be able to handle colder temperature drops. If you have a chicken tractor or a removable chicken coop, move your chicks according to the sun to help them transition from artificial heat to natural heat. And if your area experiences frequent weather swings during the colder months, you can add an extreme temperature thermal blanket to your chicks’ coop to ensure they stay warm during the night when they will be the most vulnerable.

If you let your chicks outside during the warmer months, a raised coop will provide them with additional shelter and shade. Like adult hens, chicks can suffer from heat stroke when temperatures are too high. So make sure they have plenty of fresh water and add a protective tarpaulin to their enclosure so that they have enough shaded areas at their disposal.

PROTECTING CHICKS FROM PREDATORS

When your chicks spend a lot of time outside, you don’t have the ability to constantly monitor them. It is therefore essential to install a secure henhouse for them with a large predator-resistant enclosure in order to protect them and accustom them to the outside world. Chicken predators are mainly active at night, but some will not pass up the opportunity to grab a few chicks during the day.

It is important to note that chicks are particularly vulnerable to snakes and raccoons which can slip under enclosures or pass their paws through wire mesh. For added security, wrap the bottom four feet of your enclosure with wire mesh to protect your chickens from these predators.

If your chicks are overstimulated, give them several places to “hide.” Opt for simple structures, such as upturned cardboard boxes with cut-out entrances or other homemade shelters. Even if your chicks aren’t big enough to use all of the chicken perches, the Omlet Standing Perch has easily height-adjustable perches that will allow your chicks to practice climbing.

MOTHER HEN

Some chicks are born and raised naturally by their mother. Chickens can “broody” at any time of year, but it is usually in the spring that they attempt to hatch their eggs . If your hen goes brooding in winter, it is best to discourage her by collecting her eggs every day, as chicks born in winter will have a more difficult time than those born in warmer months. If your area experiences mild winters, your chickens will be able to keep their chicks warm even in temperatures below zero degrees. However, you will need to ensure that the chicks are not left unsupervised for too long when their mother hen goes to eat or drink.

Nature takes its course when chicks are raised by a hen. The hen provides heat even after her chicks hatch, making her a “broody” hen. Good mother hens instinctively know how long their chicks can tolerate the absence of this heat and will help their young adapt to the ambient temperature.

If your hen has been hatching chicks in an elevated coop, consider moving the hen and her chicks to a walk-in coop to prevent the chicks from accidentally falling while following their mother. You can also remove the chicks from the hen once they are dry and place them in a chick brooder cage.

TAKE THE CHICKS OUT DURING THE DAY

If you have gradually reduced the temperature of your chicks’ brooder cage, they should be able to be comfortable outside with temperatures dropping to 15.5°C, when they are 6 years old. at 8 weeks. To make outdoor excursions with your chicks successful, choose warm, sunny days. Start with short outings in a chicken run and then let them jump and scratch.

Every chick is different, but expect there to be some hesitation or uncertainty, especially at first. The feel of grass under their paws is very different from that of straw, shavings or the floor of their breeding cage. The outdoors offers lots of sights, sounds and smells that are unfamiliar to chicks raised in brooder cages. So start with short outings to avoid overstimulating them. Try taking them out for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day to help them build confidence. Stay close by their side during these first excursions to see how they react to their new environment.

After several days of short outings, increase the time spent outdoors by 10 to 15 minutes every other day, taking the weather into account. Before long, your chicks will spend several hours of the day getting used to their future forever home. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to start letting your chicks out of their coop and run.

CHECKLIST FOR THE PERMANENT TRANSFER OF CHICKS OUTSIDE

Do your chicks have all their feathers, have managed to get used to the outdoors to integrate into their new home and are perfectly happy? It’s time to take the next step! Make sure the following items are in place before permanently moving your chicks outside:

• A secure , comfortable and easy-access henhouse for your chicks
• An adjoining enclosure reinforced with additional protection against predators
• Feeders and drinkers placed at heights suitable for your chicks
• Outdoor temperatures greater than or equal to 15.5°C, even at night
• Chicks at least 6 to 8 weeks old

If you are transferring your chicks to an Eglu chicken coop, the recommended age is 12 weeks. This gives them enough time to grow to a size suitable for the Omlet chicken coop design. The coop’s perches and ladders can be a challenge for chicks younger than 12 weeks, and the spacing of the steel wire in the chicken wire was designed for larger chicks.

CAN MY CHICKS LIVE OUTSIDE WITH OTHER CHICKENS?

If your chicks join other hens, follow the same steps as integrating new hens into an existing group. Quarantine periods do not apply to chicks that you have raised yourself in a brooder cage, as you would have noticed any signs of illness during this period. However, it is best to introduce chicks to their future breeding companions slowly to minimize the risk of injury. You can place a chicken run inside or next to your current chickens’ setup for a safe first contact.

As always, hens will need to establish a hierarchy within their group, regardless of how many times they have seen the chicks through a fence. Always monitor the first meeting when introducing new members to a group. Quickly remove chicks that hens seem to be attacking and consider housing them separately, as well as overly aggressive hens, until your chicks are older.

THINGS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE PERMANENTLY MOVING YOUR CHICKS OUTSIDE

Most chicken keepers agree that spring and early summer are the best times to bring chicks outside. However, some climates can experience bitter cold for more than half the year, which can make raising chicks in the spring a little more complicated. In this case, it is best to keep your chicks in their broader cage for as long as possible, ideally until they are 12 to 16 weeks old. If your chicks are too big to stay in their brooder cage for that long, be sure to take extra precautions against the cold. Prepare your chicks’ coop and run for winter as you normally would for adult chickens. In particular, you can install an Eglu hen house to keep your birds warm, and consider adding a weather proof tarpaulin to your henhouse to reinforce its insulation.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHICKS ARE TOO COLD?

You should watch out for the same signs as for adult chickens. Check your chicks regularly and look for the following signs to determine if they are too cold:

• Lethargy
• Grouping against each other
• Standing with one paw off the ground
• Discoloration of crests, wattles or feet

If you notice any of these symptoms in your chicks during cold weather, bring them indoors quickly. Do not warm them up too quickly or they may go into shock. Use a heat lamp only if their indoor space is in a drafty area, such as a garage or large. A temperature above 18°C ​​will be enough to slowly warm overly chilled chicks. Keep them indoors until they are eating and drinking normally, and plan to let them outside again when outside temperatures are more stable.

WHEN SHOULD YOU AVOID LETTING YOUR CHICKS OUT?

Under certain conditions, chicks should not go outside, particularly in the following cases:

• If your chicks are under 6 weeks of age,
• If your chicks are under 12 weeks of age and temperatures drop below freezing,
• During heavy rain or extreme weather conditions,
• If your chicks can’t easily reach their coop.

Always check the weather forecast to get an idea of ​​temperatures and precipitation during the week you plan to move your chicks outdoors permanently. If heavy rain is expected, or any other significant weather event, postpone transferring your chicks until conditions improve. Wet chicks, like their adult counterparts, have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

While some chicks quickly become familiar with the henhouse ladder, others have more difficulty perfecting this technique. If you notice that some of your chicks are unable to use the ladder, create a ramp and place it on the rungs of the ladder. Once they get used to using their growing paws, you can remove the ramp.

Finally, don’t forget to consider the bird flu situation in your area. Chicks are at the same risk of catching it as adult chickens, but by adding a protective tarp over your chickens’ enclosure, you can greatly minimize this risk by protecting them from wild bird droppings.

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Pillar content is a simple and efficient method of using your company’s own blog to positively influence the SEO ranking of your own website. This form of content structuring offers a good introduction to the topic of search engine optimization, especially for SEO newbies: Here you can achieve success without having to delve too deeply into the various SEO tools. All you need is your subject matter expertise and some time to plan and write blog posts.

Pillar content is essentially about defining the most important topics (pillar pages) in your own area of ​​expertise in advance. Only below can you find the blog posts relevant to the topic, which are sensibly linked to create a tidy structure.

In this way, you continuously build a clear and thematically sensible blog that users can easily find their way around and that presses exactly the right buttons on Google.

How exactly does that work? We wrote it down here once.

Why do you even need pillar content?

SEO marketing has become a strong profession. Because without visibility online, companies have practically no chance of landing orders or orders. The reason: If you offer your products or services online, there is a lack of walk-in customers. Unlike stationary retail, you don’t just need a great shop window to attract attention on the web: you first have to make it onto the shopping street. Getting hold of a store in a prime location on the Internet’s shopping mile – Google – takes a lot of time and effort. Search engine optimized content can help here and comes in the form of pillar content in a user-friendly version that even lay people can easily implement with a little time. 

New user behavior

The use of voice recognition via Siri or Alexa has fundamentally changed search queries. Instead of “dining room lamp”, inquiries are now more like “Which lamp suits my dining table?” This more informative version of the question requires Google to understand semantic links. Pillar content offers the opportunity to respond to the search engine’s algorithms and thus better answer customer questions. And another advantage: By structuring topic clusters and specialized blog posts linked to them, you help your customers to navigate quickly. This makes it easier for them to reach their goal and ultimately spend more time on your website. 

Pillar Content: The most important advantages

1. Pillar content as a planning aid

The fixed structure of blog articles makes it much easier to plan and write content. Once the main topics have been defined, you can add contributions to them in turn. This means that topics can be found more quickly and content builds on one another in a meaningful way.

2. Pillar content as a customer persuader

A well-structured blog is not only easier for the website manager to maintain: it also leaves a good impression on customers. Because the cluster structure allows you to find your way around more quickly and save time. After all, users on the web are impatient and want to find the right information with just a few clicks. The constant expansion of a company-relevant topic puts you as an expert in focus – and thus gives you a clear competitive advantage.

3. Pillar Content as a SEO-Strategies

The search algorithms that Google works with also affect the way companies have to respond. At the beginning of the SEO era, the focus was on individual keywords. So a lamp retailer just had to drop the main keyword “lamp” and secondary keywords like “floor lamp,” “table lamp,” etc. enough times to rank at the top. The result was completely illegible texts that users completely neglected. Today it’s different: Put simply, Google recognizes connections and sees when a topic is being discussed in depth. This means the search engine classifies you as an expert and puts you at the top of the results. For blog writers this means: keywords, yes – but always write for the readers, not directly for Google. 

Pillar Content: Create the perfect topic cluster in 3 steps

Step 1: Define your main topics (pillar pages)

At the beginning, identify the topics that you consider to be absolutely relevant. Don’t worry: the topics don’t have to be filled with content directly, but this will give you a good overview. Unfilled topics simply remain invisible until you have finished texts for them. That’s preferable to simply displaying a “content coming soon” placeholder. The structure can be constantly expanded. In the example of the lamp dealer, the following topics could be at the top:

• Latest Lamp Designs
• Top Lamp Brands and Makers
• Installation Advice
• Company news

Introductory texts are now written for each pillar page. Explain to users in understandable terms what to expect in this category.

Step 2: Populate the pillar pages with blog posts

Now you can go into more depth: blog posts are gradually being written for each topic. Maybe you already have one or two relevant blog posts in your archive. Answerthepublic.com is a helpful tool for finding blog topics : the questions that match the search term are displayed here. The lamp retailer from the example above only needs to enter “lamp” here and can draw from a large pool of topic inspiration. In addition, you should always keep the customers in mind and brainstorm using your own experience. Finally, carry out classic keyword research and define the most important search terms for the blog post you will write next. 

Step 3: Write and start blog posts!

You have defined the main topics, i.e. pillar pages, and carried out keyword research. Now it’s time to gradually feed the topics with blog posts. Each blog post is assigned to a main topic and is linked to its page. Within the blog post, backlinks and internal links to other articles from the same pillar help to guide users further.

Effective Tips for writing blog posts:

Here are some simple tips for writing blog posts:

• Write content that supports your expertise
• Write in a structured manner and use subheadings marked with h2, h3, etc
• For longer blog posts, use lists to break up the structure
• Don’t write just for the sake of writing something. Instead, every article should provide added value to readers
• Don’t focus on a focus topic just because your SEO research spit out the corresponding keyword, but always focus on the users
• Don’t start writing wildly, but create a structure or an editorial plan in advance. It happens faster than you think.

Does it all sound a bit much now? Don’t worry, that’s not it. Organizing your company blog is always beneficial. This makes your work easier and makes it easier for readers to navigate the site. Once the structure has been defined, the rest happens automatically. Maybe you have already written old blog posts that you just need to assign to the new pillar page. Whether from an SEO or user perspective: tidy pillar content gives your blog new impact.

FAQs

What are content pillars?

The content pillars are all the themes/major categories of topics that you are going to cover on your Instagram account . In particular, they allow you to store all your ideas in boxes. This makes it much easier for you to anticipate your next posts and generate interesting ideas!

How to find your content pillars?

Know what interests her, motivates her, provokes emotions in her, amuses her, scares her, questions her, etc. You will need to refer to your personas – your target customers – and define your content accordingly.

What are the 5 content pillars?

The 5 content pillars are:

• Valuable content
• Relevant content
• g
• Targeted content
• Consistent content

What are the 4 effective content pillars?

Content is key when it comes to achieving results with your CRM strategy. Here are the four pillars of effective content that can help you develop a successful CRM strategy:

1. Relevant: Your content must be relevant to your target audience. You should address their needs and problems.

2. Captivating: Your content must be captivating. It should be interesting and useful enough to make people stay.

3. Call to action: Your content must contain a call to action. He should tell people what to do next and make it easy for them to do it.

4. Consistent: Your content must be consistent. It should be published regularly and updated as necessary.

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Learn the ins and outs of exterior and interior wall insulation in this comprehensive guide. Discover everything you need to know to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

How to insulate the walls of a house from the outside?

Insulating walls from the outside is more efficient. This method is indicated for houses that also need a facade renovation.

Exterior insulation under coating

This process is the most affordable in terms of exterior insulation. It consists of fixing the insulation panel to the wall using different techniques:

• Bonding, with prior stripping of the wall in the event of renovation;
• Wedging with mortar, followed by fixing using dowels;
• The use of profiles to form retaining rails. 

After fixing the insulation, the professional makes joints between the plates. He then proceeds to the finishing with the installation of the coating. 

Exterior insulation under cladding

In addition to insulation, cladding allows you to renovate a wall in poor condition. Knowing that the facade will be modified, an authorization request must be submitted to the municipality before carrying out the work. 

The insulation technique under cladding consists of fixing a frame on the wall, then installing the insulating plate on it. This frame is then covered with cladding, keeping an air gap to ensure moisture evacuation.

You have the choice between different types of cladding: wood, steel, aluminum, etc. This covering considerably improves the exterior appearance of the wall while ensuring effective protection against bad weather.

Which insulation to choose and what thickness for wall insulation?

Several materials are available for wall insulation:

Natural insulators

Natural insulators such as cellulose wadding, sheep’s wool, cork or plant fibers are especially suitable for interior insulation. Their price is generally higher compared to other materials. 

Synthetic insulators

Synthetic insulators such as polyurethane (PU) or expanded polystyrene (PEE) are suitable for exterior as well as interior insulation. They are especially interesting in the form of plates. Their price is more affordable compared to natural insulators.

 Mineral insulation

 Mineral insulation such as glass wool or rock wool. They exhibit excellent thermal and acoustic properties. In addition, their price is much more accessible like glass wool. Available in several shapes, they are also easy to set up. Glass wool is one of the most efficient materials, providing good resistance with a limited thickness. It also offers good sound insulation.

Depending on the insulation technique chosen, it is possible to use insulating plates or bulk materials. For example, in the case of interior insulation under a metal frame, the professional can opt for blowing in loose insulation if necessary. Thus, the wall is completely covered despite the irregularities.

The thickness of the insulation is determined by the condition of the wall and the performance of the chosen material. Following exterior insulation work in energy renovation, the walls must achieve a thermal resistance of 3.7 m2/K/W. The craftsman will be able to determine the most appropriate thickness to achieve this resistance, taking into account the performance of the material.

How to properly insulate a wall from the inside?

Insulating walls from the inside is both simpler and more affordable. It is done piece by piece. This method is interesting for homes with a facade in good condition or one that cannot be modified.

Insulation of a smooth wall by glued lining

For a wall in good condition and perfectly flat, insulation by glued lining is the most practical. This involves directly gluing lining panels to the wall using glue or adhesive mortar.

The panel is made up of an insulating board and a plaster facing board which are glued together. The facing plate is used for finishing, you can then paint it or cover it with wallpaper. There are lining panels suitable for damp walls to prevent the effects of condensation.

Installation of air gap insulation: an effective method for insulating a porous wall

The air gap insulation method is recommended for walls made of soft stone, rammed earth, lime joints or any other porous material. It is also an interesting solution for walls very exposed to bad weather. The installation of an air gap ensures the water balance of the wall.

The operation requires the installation of battens to accommodate the insulating plate. A minimum distance of 2 cm must be kept between the wall and the battens: this is the air gap. This will absorb the hygrometric variations of the wall. Installing a vapor barrier helps protect the interior from humidity.

Insulation under metal frame: an ideal technique for old walls

In the presence of a wall with an irregular surface or in poor condition, the method of insulation under a metal frame is particularly suitable. However, it can also be applied to flat walls in good condition, in renovation as well as in new buildings. 

The insulation plate is directly attached to the wall, then held by a metal frame. On this, the craftsman places a plasterboard finishing plate. With this insulation from the inside, it is possible to pass cables and pipes without drilling the wall or the insulation. They can in fact circulate behind the finishing plate.

The masonry counter-partition, an impeccable finish for irregular walls

This technique is also interesting for damaged walls, especially if you want an aesthetic finish. It consists of directly fixing the insulation to the wall, then installing a new wall in front in order to trap the insulation there.

The thickness of this added wall is approximately 5 cm. It is made of tiles or plaster bricks, and therefore covered with a coating. 

Conclusion:

Insulating your home’s walls, whether from the exterior or interior, is essential for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. Exterior insulation methods, such as under coating or cladding, offer effective solutions for renovating and enhancing the facade while providing insulation. When selecting insulation materials, consider options like natural, synthetic, or mineral insulators, each offering unique benefits and performance.

For interior insulation, techniques like glued lining, air gap insulation, or insulation under a metal frame provide practical solutions tailored to different wall conditions. Whether improving thermal resistance or addressing irregularities, proper insulation contributes to a more comfortable and sustainable living environment.

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