At what age should I put my chicks outside?

[Sienatiger]

I have 9 chicks that are just over a month old. I'm thinking about putting them outside soon, but i'm not sure exactly when. The weather is nice here. The only problem might be that I have some older hens that I am going to move them in with. I know that you are not supposed to, but I have put several batches of chicks in with my older girls when they were just over a month old. My hens are very friendly and there was hardly even a peck involved with the transition. Please let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks so much!

 

[azygous]

Now's a good time. Have you heard of the panic room system of integration? It involves a safe refuge for the small ones that only they fit through. It makes integration so much easier, not to mention safer.

I have pictures of my panic room set up in the second article listed below my post. I also describe how it works. It hinges on the older chickens and chicks having gotten to know one another through a safe barrier first, then you open chick size openings and let them mingle. The chicks have their safe refuge with food and water inside and it really cuts down on the conflict, and you don't have to worry about injuries.