Brooder Time?

[georgia chick]

I have read so many different things on how long chicks should be kept in the brooder before being moved out to the coop, from 2 weeks, to 5 weeks, to until they have their feathers. I am getting them mid April so I dont think the cold will matter. Any opinions?

 

[HEChicken]

It depends a lot on the weather and where you are located. As a general rule, I plan on 4 weeks. I've gone as little as 3 weeks when the weather was very warm to as long as 6 weeks when it was winter. Once they are mostly fully feathered, which is around 4 weeks IME, I start taking them outside on nice days for as long as is feasible. I gradually increase the amount of time outdoors until a mild night allows them to stay outside (in the coop of course). From that point on, they don't come back inside. The whole transition usually takes anywhere from 4-10 days depending on weather/time of year.

 

[georgia chick]

Ahh, hadnt heard the take them out a few hours a day system before. Great idea, thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

It does vary with the weather. I've been as early as 3-1/2 weeks and as late as 5. I've had broody hens totally wean their chicks in the summer at 3 weeks, so I have proof they can do OK that young.

I keep a fairly large brooder in the coop. I only keep one area heated and allow the rest to cool off as it will, with the far corners coming down to ambient, even in the winter. That way I don't have to worry about keeping the whole thing the right temperature. They will self-regulate. Plus they get acclimated to cooler temperatures. I think that helps them feather out properly.

This year, I had 5-1/2 week olds in the grow-out coop with the overnight low in the mid-20's Fahrenheit. The coop was well ventilated but no breezes were blowing directly on them. There were 14 of them, so they could help keep each other warm if they needed to.

In my opinion, there are a few variables involved. I don't think there is one right answer for all of us in all kinds of situations. But I do think they are tougher than many people think.

 

[georgia chick]

Thanks so much for your input!