RooStar Chicken Gang
Songster
How long do U leave baby chickens once hatched in the brooder area with the heat plate before they are big enough to put outside?
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It depends on how quickly you "harden" them off the heat lamp or plate.
Typically with artificially brooded chicks, it is when they are fully feathered, which is about 4 to 5 weeks of age.
If the weather is cool (noticing you are in Australia so the opposite season of me), you may wait a week or so more to 8 weeks of age.
As to how quickly you can get chicks out naturally, my broody hens have the babes out scratching in the snow on day 3 or 4, running around in their warm down jackets, catching warm ups in momma's warming hutch.
So you don't have to overheat the chicks. Allow them plenty of room to roam in natural temperature, warming themselves as needed, as you'll likely have them out closer to 4 to 5 weeks than 8.
LofMc
No bother. Happy to help.Sorry to bother you again. After candling the eggs there has been a large black part seen in the eggs towards the top of them, does this mean something is growing inside? Thanks.