Chicks Graduating to Outdoors

[tikibanjo]

Wondering if folks have strong opinions about the temperature and age requirements for moving these birds into their coop. There are 19 of them, and they’re about 4 1/2 weeks old. The container they’re in is getting crowded, and the new “much bigger” coop isn’t ready yet (I’m still building - see pic). The old coop is big enough to house them comfortably. Evening temps are supposed to be in the 40s for the foreseeable future, except tomorrow (4/21) night, which will get close to 30 degrees. They’ve been in our sunroom, where temps have been in the 60s during the day and 50s at night.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'd say they are very ready. Especially with 19. If they get cool they can keep each other warm.

 

[Bcoz18]

I am also new to the chicken world and our first night with the chickens outside was last night it got to 41 degrees. We have 6 and they are around 4 1/2 weeks as well! I have been putting them outside for a couple hours a day for the past week and they enjoyed it last night I’m guessing. None passed away (thank you Jesus) this is their coop

This is their run

I just closed the door on the run and was warmer in the coop.

 

[HogWildAboutChix]

They are ready!
I usually put a box/crate/tub with some bedding turned up on the side so they can get under something if they get cold that will hold in their body warmth. Turn it towards a wall. This helps with drafts.
I put my out to the closed in coop around 2 or so weeks and they do ok!

 

[Chickmama672]

I have kind of a related question..my chicks are four weeks old, mostly feathered out except for some wispy down left on the neck and head of some of them. They are kept inside in my basement in a brooder with a heat lamp but I was wondering how cold is too cold to take them outside to explore a little bit? It is about 60 and sunny here today. Thanks!

 

[Bcoz18]

I have kind of a related question..my chicks are four weeks old, mostly feathered out except for some wispy down left on the neck and head of some of them. They are kept inside in my basement in a brooder with a heat lamp but I was wondering how cold is too cold to take them outside to explore a little bit? It is about 60 and sunny here today. Thanks!

Again not a pro and every site says something different. We got ours use to outside first. For the past week we’ve put our outside for a couple hours and then brought them back in last night was the first full day. Last night it got low 40 and they were fine this morning the next couple nights it’s suppose to get mid 40s so and high 60s so

 

[HogWildAboutChix]

I think they will be fine go out during the "heat of the day" after lunch time when its sunny and not too windy! As long as you are keeping an eye on them every few hours or so.

I send my chicks out at 4 weeks, but they are able to get inside if they want. I am pro outside and pro non electric heat brooding.

Anyone have any advice on brooding without electric heat?