When can quail go outside full time?

[Nikkiax]

I have six little quails that are just about 4 weeks old. I cannot seem to find a straight answer online or in my books. When is it safe for them to go outside full time? It's cool today in Rhode Island -- rainy and in the high 50s, but give it two days and it will be 85 again. I don't want to put them out if the fluctuating temps are too much. Their heat lamp is on today (they are still in their brooder in the house) but it had been off the past two days and a night ago I left it off.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[dc3085]

At 4-5 weeks they'll usually have all their adult feathers and at that point can tolerate ambient temps. The last feathers to change are usually the feathers on their face, when you see no more yellow feathers around the face and they have full feather coverage theyre good.

 

[Nikkiax]

Exactly the answer I was looking for! Thank you -- very helpful.

 

[lauradrake21]

Was wondering this too. Mine turn 4 on Weds and have feathers but still mostly have their baby faces. Great info thanks dc 30 85!