Are my chicks old enough to go outside permanently?

[Chickenaddict123]

I have 2 polish and one assorted bantam chick that are 5 weeks old. I live in Utah and the temperature drops under 40 f at night still. They have all of their feathers but I’m worried it might get too cold at night still. I can’t put a heat lamp in the coop because I don’t have anywhere to clip it without it potentially causing a fire. I am willing to wait if I need to but they are getting big for the brooder and I can tell they are sick of being in it.

 

[citymeetscountry]

I think a good way to gauge that is whether or not you are still supplementing heat and if so what temp? If they’re fully feathered I would be inclined to say they’re fine, but if you are supplementing heat and it’s a lot cooler outside you may want to wean from heat first and see how they do.

 

[AmeliaBedelia]

I'd spend this week acclimating them by turning off their heat inside day one (if it's on), moving to a garage/basement day two or three, and having them outside during the days. And you could also add a little extra bedding in their part of the outdoor coop so it's extra cozy for them.

 

[Chickenaddict123]

I think a good way to gauge that is whether or not you are still supplementing heat and if so what temp? If they’re fully feathered I would be inclined to say they’re fine, but if you are supplementing heat and it’s a lot cooler outside you may want to wean from heat first and see how they do.

We haven’t had heat on them for a while now but the house stays at about 72. I’ll try to find a spot in the garage to keep them at night and then outside during the day. Thank you.

 

[Chickenaddict123]

I'd spend this week acclimating them by turning off their heat inside day one (if it's on), moving to a garage/basement day two or three, and having them outside during the days. And you could also add a little extra bedding in their part of the outdoor coop so it's extra cozy for them.

Thank you I appreciate you’re advice and will start acclimating them using the garage and outside.