How Do I Know When To Put Them Outdoors!

[Cfallon5094]

Everyone says, "When they have their feathers..." Well, I have a bunch of different breeds and several different ages, so I'm confused. I dont want to put them out too early, but they are getting hard to handle indoors. Any more specific information? The oldest two have their wing feathers, but still have patches of fuzz...

 

[feathermaid]

Oh I know, keeping chicks in the house past a few weeks would be unbearable for me. Are they all still dependent on heat? If some are and some aren't, is it possible to move the heat source out to the coop?

I've always brooded with a heating pad (not a lamp) inside the coop, so when they were ready to roost, they just went there and never visited the heating pad again. They were about 4-5 weeks old, temps in 50s F at night. Have you tried removing your heat source at night yet to see how they do? Or are they completely off heat now? They may be just fine if they all huddle together for warmth.

 

[Cfallon5094]

Oh I know, keeping chicks in the house past a few weeks would be unbearable for me. Are they all still dependent on heat? If some are and some aren't, is it possible to move the heat source out to the coop?

I've always brooded with a heating pad (not a lamp) inside the coop, so when they were ready to roost, they just went there and never visited the heating pad again. They were about 4-5 weeks old, temps in 50s F at night. Have you tried removing your heat source at night yet to see how they do? Or are they completely off heat now? They may be just fine if they all huddle together for warmth.

 

[Cfallon5094]

Thank you!