Going outside?

[Bvangorp]

Here is a picture of our chicks. They seem to have full feathers or at least a good amount of them. My question is when are they ready to go out? They are roosting and flying out of their brooder. But the lows are like 23 at night here this next week and I don’t want them getting too cold too young. What are your thoughts?

Thank you for the help!!

 

[Lor]

I'm not any help here. Just wondering how old they are? Are you planning to put them in the coop? Do you know the temps inside at night?
I have some chicks outside during the day and was wondering when they can go in the coop at night without the heat lamp, so will be watching this thread.

 

[Bvangorp]

I want to say they are about 4ish weeks old or so. Not sure got them when they were pretty feathered.

I could put a meter inside the coop and see the temps at night or also run a heat lamp out there it is by electric.

 

[wolf-deer88]

I have my 3-4 week old chicks outside in an old rabbit hutch. It hasn't gotten below the 40s here. 23 seems to be too cold even with a heat lamp.

 

[Lor]

I have to introduce these chicks to the older hens. I plan to keep them enclosed in something in the coop at night when they are ready for outside. I'm thinking next week since it's been warm enough here. Mine are only 3 weeks and 4 weeks, though.
My biggest concern is the one chick who is half the size of her siblings and less feathered.

What type chicks do you have there?

 

[wolf-deer88]

Wait until the chicks are full grown before introducing them to your older hens. They may bully or step on them.

I have two satins. They're silkie x Cochin.

 

[Lor]

Wait until the chicks are full grown before introducing them to your older hens. They may bully or step on them.

I'm using the "see but no touch method". Wouldn't trust those hens with chicks.
I have a large pet pen with a top in the run and plan to do something similar inside the coop.

 

[wolf-deer88]

Okay, good.

 

[Bvangorp]

I have my 3-4 week old chicks outside in an old rabbit hutch. It hasn't gotten below the 40s here. 23 seems to be too cold even with a heat lamp.

Ok so maybe wait till the lows come up a bit

 

[wolf-deer88]

Yes, that would be the wise thing to do.