Are my chicks fully feathered? Are they ready for the coop full time?

[jjb1953]

HI all.
I have 6 golden comets who are 5 weeks today.
For the past two weeks they have spent their days in the coop and nights in their brooder box.
They love being out in the coop.
They of course are not quite as happy in the box as it pretty small for them now.

I have been reading and reading about when chicks are ready for the coop when they are fully feathered. Some sites have said 4 weeks in the summer some have said 5 to 6 ... or when chicks are fully feathered.
Some say put them out with a lamp for heat.
It is warm enough during the days I am sure, but the night temp has dropped down to low 60s and will be that again tonight.
Last night when I went to bring the chicks it had already dropped into the low 60s. All of the chicks were snuggled in one nesting box, but they seemed fine.

I had planned on having them in the coop at 5 weeks and if it is colder at night I would put a lamp in the coop, the problem I have now is I am super paranoid about using a lamp after reading about fires. I have read all of the safety tips and so forth, but one story was of a light bulb that appeared to have exploded and they lost their coop, barn and a lot more.

SO, I am wondering if it would be safe for the chicks to stay out now without a lamp.

Thanks
J

 

[lupieloo]

My 15 RIR are 5 weeks and are in the coop full time and it drops to the 70's here over night, but they seem happy and content, if they get cold, there are plenty of each other to snuggle with. I do not put lamps in the coop for fear of fire.

 

[mithious]

I put my 15 BR's in their coop at 3 weeks. Then we had that awful heat wave...put a fan in their window during the day and changed their water out for cold water every 1-2 hours during the day...the heat wave broke and days are 75 degrees and nights are middle 40's and low 50's. I do shut their windows a bit earlier than dark, to help keep a bit of warmth in their coop, but never had a lamp in there. Mine will be 5 weeks from hatch, on Sunday and are doing fine!!!! BR's are known for their cold hardiness!

I did check them for the first couple nights of it cooling down, but all were nestled up together, like they always do, sleeping fine. I don't see any stress from going from 95 degree days and 65 degree nights, to 75 degree days and mid 40's to lower 50s at night now. Or any other ill affects...

I just finished my first and only bag of medicated feed ( used like a kids immunization ) and have switched to an 18% protein, non medicated, all flock pellet feed. Funny chicks, they at first threw it on the floor of their coop, but are now eating it and I have to say, there is wayyy less waste with the pellets vs the crumbles...am really happy about that...still some waste, but not near as much....looking into DIY ways to keep feed waste down!!!

Best of luck with your chicks and the permanent move to their coop!