How long until my chicks are completely feathered and ready to be outside?

[vigirlstef]

Here are 2 of our RIR's. Are they completely feathered or not? Sorry, We are brand new to this and I want to make sure they are completely feathered before we put them out in the coop! We just got them 2 days ago from someone who found out they can't have them at their rental home. They are 4 weeks old today. We have 3 RIR and 3 White Leghorns.

Thanks!

 

[nettifer]

Here are 2 of our RIR's. Are they completely feathered or not? Sorry, We are brand new to this and I want to make sure they are completely feathered before we put them out in the coop! We just got them 2 days ago from someone who found out they can't have them at their rental home. They are 4 weeks old today. We have 3 RIR and 3 White Leghorns.

Thanks!

hi, they still havent got their head feathers yet, and they lose most heat from their head , mine are 5 wks

and im putting them in a coop and pen next week at 6wks

 

[vigirlstef]

So it is okay to keep them in the cage for another 2 weeks? we take the age outside for several hours during the day and let the chickens out in the yard while we are right there with them and they have done great...even with my overly enthusiastic 2 year old! He really loves them!!!

 

[nettifer]

So it is okay to keep them in the cage for another 2 weeks? we take the age outside for several hours during the day and let the chickens out in the yard while we are right there with them and they have done great...even with my overly enthusiastic 2 year old! He really loves them!!!

yes they will be fine in the cage for another couple of weeks

better to be safe than sorry !

 

[A.T. Hagan]

5-6 weeks depending on the weather. If it's warm and dry then move them at five weeks. Cold and wet then do it at six.

 

[PreciousCrystal]

5-6 weeks depending on the weather. If it's warm and dry then move them at five weeks. Cold and wet then do it at six.

what if the chicken mother takes them outside? how soon then?

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Unless it is especially cold and rainy if they have Mama Hen to look after them then any age is OK. She'll warm them up when they need it.

 

[vigirlstef]

No mama hens. These 6 are our first. We are building the coop now, so we aren't in a big hurry, they have no where to live outside yet. Thanks for responding!

 

[cmom]

Here are 2 of our RIR's. Are they completely feathered or not? Sorry, We are brand new to this and I want to make sure they are completely feathered before we put them out in the coop! We just got them 2 days ago from someone who found out they can't have them at their rental home. They are 4 weeks old today. We have 3 RIR and 3 White Leghorns.

Thanks!

I have a coop for my youngsters. They go out at 3 weeks usually, sooner if the weather is nice. The coop is heated at night and during the day if needed. We have had weather in the mid 80's so I don't have to heat the coop during the day. Here are a few pictures.