Does size matter?

[rainlips]

I have 3 10 week old chicks in my outside coop, they have been doing great! I also have 3 5 week old chicks in the house... They have been without a heat lamp for a week or so they are also doing awesome... My question is... The 5 week old are as big as the 10 week old... Can I move them outside yet?

 

[Farmer Viola]

it depends on how feathered they are. can you post pics? I would say the 5 week olds are not ready without seeing them but if they are very feathered then maybe..

 

[rainlips]

These are my 5 week old chicks... I will post my 10 week ones tomorrow. I guess I'm not sure what "feathered out" means lol
Or how to tell if they are...

 

[donrae]

Feathered out means they've grown all their feathers in, as opposed to the chick down they start with. Your birds are fully feathered and should be good to go outside.

 

[handyman42]

Feathered out pretty much means that they've grown into their adult feathers and lost their baby chick "fluff". So I'd say your 5wk old chicks are pretty well feathered out. And if they're the same size as your 10wk old chicks I'd say it should be fine. You'll have to watch for bullying as always but I'd say let em out one day when you've got the time to watch em and see how they do together. Good Luck and the chicks look great!!

P.S. I'm also the type that's always been a little more curious than cautious. So I'm normally the one trying something just for the simple fact of I wanna know what will happen.