How old before they can stay outside?

[thebritt]

The last clutch had a mom, so I haven't dealt with this in years. We have 2 rouens and 3 runners, all about 3 weeks old. They're getting big and more and more messy, and I'm ready, but are they? They still have fuzz, but don't stay under the heat lamp anymore (for the last 2 days). It gets into the lower 50's at night. Should they have heat at night if they go to their outdoor space?
Thanks for any responses in advance!

 

[KansasKid]

When they are feathered out Minus their flight feathers they can go outside without any heat and be in the weather.
It can be earlier if adequate shelter with shavings/straw is provided for them to get into at times.

 

[thebritt]

Quote:
Thanks! About how old is that?

 

[KansasKid]

at four weeks, they start to get their feathers and by eight weeks should be or if not at least close to being completely feathered with fly feathers as well. So probably 5/6 weeks

 

[thebritt]

Quote:
The sooner the better!