Can they go outside? Do they need an electric hen?

[coldcazzie]

I have 3 silver laced wyandotte bantams (reasonably sure they are 2 hens, 1 roo) which are now 6 weeks old. Hatched and raised indoors with some japanese quail but are now getting bigger and really need to be outside in the shed which will eventually be their coop rather than in my living room!

The japs are now fully feathered and able to go outside without heat, but I don't know if the SLW chicks are old enough yet? The roo is noticeably less feathered than the hens. I know adult chickens do better with cold than heat, and here in the UK the temps are still very variable and are still dropping to 5-10C (40-50F) on occasion.

Do we need to put an electric hen out there in the shed with them? If so, how should I do the timing? Should I start it being on constantly and then drop it to only nighttime, or start with it only being on at night? They've been without heat indoors for 2-3 weeks now.

Any help would be appreciated

 

[TLWR]

They should all be fine outside

 

[coldcazzie]

Yeah? No heat needed at all, just gradual acclimation?

 

[junebuggena]

They don't need any heat at that age. Start with 'field trips' outside and gradually leave them out longer each day.

 

[coldcazzie]

That certainly makes things easier! They've had their first trip outside already