6 weeks old outings and temp

[Vanessabuffsnsilkies]

How warm should it be outside for them to go out of the coop during the day? Or should I just open the door and let them make up their own little chicken minds if they wanna come out or not? I know they are sooo much happier when they are outside...it's 43 degrees in the morning here then warms up to 68 to 70 degrees later in the afternoon.

 

[photo chick]

Sorry I don't have the answer to your question. But I am curious too. I have 5 week old chicks that are outgrowing our bathroom. We seem to be having about the same temps. as you here in Vermont.

 

[rachiegirl]

I am here in western PA. So the temps are similar to what you are having. Mine are out in the coop and free ranging already. They have been out there almost 2 weeks now and mine are now 8 1/2, 7 1/2 and 6 1/2 weeks old. They love it! If it is chilly, they stay in the coop until they decide to venture out. They put themselves to bed about 8 or 8:30 depending on the weather. My coop sits just inside the wood line so they hang out in the weeds and under the trees and such so the hawks don't see them. They have plenty of yummy things to munch on out there. Then they are locked in tight for the night.
We ran out of room in the brooder boxes too. I thought my parrot was dusty! Try putting 19 chicks together, yikes! Even with changing the bedding every day, they do start to smell. Especially when they decide to fight over who sits on top of the food and water, thus tipping it over.

Such a lovely mess. Mine were in the basement, I couldn't imagine having them in the bathroom!

 

[briana1975]

Mine are 9 weeks now and have been going out into the run for 4 weeks now. Today it was 45 in the morning so I thought I would wait till 8 am to let them out, instead of 6:30, and boy they were not happy with me. They are smarted then we think. I was worried about the rainy days and they actually stay out of the rain.

 

[Vanessabuffsnsilkies]

Thanks everyone...I went out after posting and opened the door of the coop and they blew out of there! They love it outside. I figure they will go inside where it's warmer if they get too cold.

 

[photo chick]

So at 5 weeks with most of their feathers can they stay in the outdoor coop all night? I guess I'm feeling quite protective of my little flock! I'm not sure what the temp. gets down to but I'm guessing that at night we are in the 30's. The coop is being built on Monday so if it's a go...I'd love to get them out of here. Although my kids would not agree! They love having them in the bathroom for hourly visits!

 

[ace6175]

I just put my 5 1/2 week olds out in the coop - first time I ever tried to raise chickens. It's a little scary, but I couldn't keep them in the house anymore!

 

[Vanessabuffsnsilkies]

Actually I put them out there a week ago. I put the heat lamps in and some smaller branches for roosting. When it gets warmer outside I turn off the lights then turn them back on when it starts to gets cold again. They keep me busy.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Yours stay out OF the rain? Mine stay out IN the rain! They will go in during a heavy downpour, but are right back out as soon as it slows down to a drizzle.

Agree with let them choose.