how long/old before the chicks can go outside this spring (In Illinois)

[jokerone]

We have had lousy winter.

The forecast for the next 10 days is basically at or near freezing at night.

The chicks are 2 weeks old, and I assume I should not put them outside in the coop until they have all their feathers, and even then with a heat light or two (in case one burns out)?

Any suggestions?

thanks

 

[Domd28]

If you put them in the coop it must be draft free. Is it possible for you to keep them in a garage or shed until the weather breaks. We keep our in the garage 4-6 weeks and were in Arkansas.

 

[jokerone]

If you put them in the coop it must be draft free. Is it possible for you to keep them in a garage or shed until the weather breaks. We keep our in the garage 4-6 weeks and were in Arkansas.

yes it is. We have a solarium. I can run an electric heater out there and get the temp to about 60 degrees at night when its freezing outside. Then run the heat lamp to the chicks. The should be find.

The coop/chicken tractor upstairs is draft free.

I just didn't know what the general rule was for booting spring chicks outside. So about 6 weeks or so?

thanks.

 

[Domd28]

6 weeks is on the long end of things. We begin bringing them out on nice days and in at night for a few weeks, till they acclimate to the weather, then out for good. We do this once they are 80-90% feathered.