How long do chickens need to stay in brooder?

[chickwhisperer 17]

Usually until they are 6-7 weeks old and have most of their adult plumage. They can be allowed outside for increasing lengths of time if the weather's nice, from about 1-2 weeks old, but must be kept in a safe container they can't escape from - I use an old child's playpen turned upside down on a patch of grass in the sun. Provide shade and water so they don't get too hot. You'll know if they aren't enjoying themselves - they huddle and cheep noisily if they are too cold, or pant with beaks open if too hot.

Nice info

 

[chickwhisperer 17]

Thank you for that information bc my new customized coop is coming tomorrow and my chicks are 5-6 weeks old. Is that good if I keep them out permanently and not bring them in? Should I put a heat lamp in coop?

 

[BYC-user-452147]

I find that people know when their chicks/pullets are ready to go out. The less experience you have, the later you tend to feel comfortable with putting your chickens out. when I put my chickens out I lock them in the coop for a couple day. once they are comfortable being in the coop I let them out into the run. I don't let them out to free range for another week or so.

 

[Heavnlydove]

I'm going to keep mine in the house with the MHP for 1 to 2 weeks and then in the coop.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Thank you for that information bc my new customized coop is coming tomorrow and my chicks are 5-6 weeks old. Is that good if I keep them out permanently and not bring them in? Should I put a heat lamp in coop?

No, heat lamps are a fire hazard in the coop. They should be fine at 5-6 weeks old.

Gary

 

[RainForestBird]

I brood my chicks and ducklings outdoors too after they are drinking and eating chick starter to my satisfaction-if they look weak or sleepy, I keep them indoors, this is usually the first 5-7 days. I have a halogen brooder light installed in their enclosed coop and I made a flap from plastic poultry fencing so they can go in and out. The coop is enclosed by a run that is lined with hardware cloth. I use pine shavings as bedding (the fluffy kind - not the heavy awful stuff they call "Fine" at Tractor Feed). I do this in Summer however, I don't like to hatch chicks in the Spring because its not really warm here till the end of June or the first week of July.

 

[Gail Laubenthal]

I start my day old chicks in a large tub in a spare bathroom. At about 3 weeks old, I move the partially featured chicks to the in-the-coop, outdoor brooder, where they will stay (with a heat lamp) until they are large enough to be slowly introduced to the big girls...it all depends on their size. I usually let them out in the coop to explore that environment while the big girls are out free ranging, so they are not chased. At some point, they seem to be old enough to be fully part of the flock. I have noticed that there is no set time schedule for this...I just give it time and observe when transitions are being taken.

BTW, someone was getting rid of a huge dog kennel and it has been perfect for the in-the-coop brooder. I wrapped it with burlap and then 1/2" hardware cloth. The little chicks can see and hear the big girls, but they are fully protected from pecks and chasing. Pictures of my set up below.

 

[Gail Laubenthal]

Thank you for that information bc my new customized coop is coming tomorrow and my chicks are 5-6 weeks old. Is that good if I keep them out permanently and not bring them in? Should I put a heat lamp in coop?

I do use a heat lamp, but make sure you wrap the cord around something to keep it from falling, just in case the clamp doesn't hold. I do this in my bathroom and in my coop brooder.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I suggest you throw away that clamp, I think they cause a lot of the problems with unsafe heat lamps. Instead use wire to support the lamp so it cannot fall. Fastening the cord as an additional safety device is a good idea.

 

[Gail Laubenthal]

I suggest you throw away that clamp, I think they cause a lot of the problems with unsafe heat lamps. Instead use wire to support the lamp so it cannot fall. Fastening the cord as an additional safety device is a good idea.

I totally agree...really don't need the clamp.