Success! Putting the 5 week old chicks in the coop...?

Hello,

This is my first time doing this so thank you for letting me join your community.

I recently bought 7 Barred Rocks and 7 Black Copper Marans! So far they are both doing great but at about 5 weeks they were outgrowing their brooder. During the nicer days (around 60F-70F) I would take them out to play and explore. While looking at the weather I saw that we were about to have a nice stretch with no rain and lots of sun. So I planned everything and put them out in the two coops I have. One for each breed. (We had some problems with the BR severely pecking the BCM) Right now they have been locked in the coop for three days and I plan on having them stay in a week. While I did anticipate bad storms and sun I didn't think about night time temperature. Last night it got down to 34F! I was really worried. I don't have a heat lamp! while the tempurature has gotten down around the mid 40s it had never been this close to freezing. This morning I went out to check on them and they were all contently cheeping and playing around!

Should I let them stay outside if they are doing fine in the weather or should I bring them back inside to the cramped brooder?

I would leave them outside, but closely monitor to assure that they do not become chilled.

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! I too agree with leaving them outside amd double checking they are not cold. I get mine outside at a couple of weeks old but still with a lamp so they can pop back in if they want a warm up. I've found letting them outside earlier hardens them up much faster.

Wishing you the very best of luck and enjoy BYC

also put out extra feeder and waterer in case the Bully, prevents the others from eating, etc. If there is bloodshed, Bully needs some days in solitaire (dog crate).

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

Thank you all for your help!