4 6 wk old chickens that are being raised by my 9 yr old son

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Lvmibys2

Lvmibys2

Hatching
6 Years
Sep 20, 2013
2
0
9
Help!
I am trying to help my son raise 4 baby chickens (currently 6 wks of age). We got them 5 wks ago, and currently are living in a large dog crate in my son's room. Although most days are nice here in southern NH, most nights have been very very cold, and I am not sure at what point the chickens can live outside (soon I hope). They look to have their head feathers, but I am guessing, for I really don't know what I am looking for. So I guess, when can I put them outside (we have a nice coop with an enclosure for them to roam in)? Should I bring them in at night? Do I need some kind of heat in the coop, and if so, what does that mean? Do I need to get an electrician out? Any and all help is appreciated.
 
Welcome to BYC
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Glad you joined us! Once the chicks are fully feathered (at around 6 weeks of age) they should be able to handle cooler temperatures without any problems. Start by putting them outside during the day, from morning 'till late afternoon. Then after a week, say, leave them out until after dark and see what they do. They will scream and shout to be taken back inside in the evening, but be tough and leave them. Watch how they behave in the coop, if they are huddling together for warmth they are probably too cold, if they are spread around the coop they are warm enough. Good luck!
 

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