how long until chicks are "feathered"?

[beckysaur]

hi.
I am hoping to get a few chicks in the next couple weeks for my first backyard coop. I'm planning on keeping them inside while they are babies under a heat lamp. I'm concerned though that it will be too cold for them once they are ready to go outside. I live in Portland, Oregon so it doesn't get super cold in the winter (rarely below freezing at night.)
People have told me they should be fine to go outside once they are fully "feathered." When does that usually happen?
Thanks for the help!
becky

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

8 weeks

 

[beckysaur]

Would it be crazy to keep them inside for 8 weeks? Will they be really big at that point?

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

no, i've done it. Depends on the breed of bird, and how fast they grow.