Define "fully feathered"

[Josie]

A lot of posts and poultry books talk about "when a chick is fully feathered" but the time frame for this varies by breed.

So what do you guys define as "fully feathered"

(I ask because I have some young ones that have feathers everywhere except under their wings, and I want permission to put them out in the coop!)

 

[Mrs MIA]

If the outside temps are about what you have the chicks at in the brooder/indoor enclosure, then you should be able to put them outside. Usually "fully feathered" means having all it's feathers, though. 6-8 weeks, in my experience.
You might be ok, in California. I know I can't let mine out yet, because it's still only in the 30s-40s...