How old before they can take a trip outside?

[Dogfish]

Elsa the cat,

I'm about 60 miles south of you, just west of Oympia, and I'll be moving my 4 week old chicks to their big home on Saturday. This should make the cornish cross in the brooder happy. That will make them a day or so shy of 5 weeks. The have lost all of their down, which is what I assume to be fully feathered. I'll keep them in the coop for a few days so they understand that is their new home, and then I'll be letting them out in the run every day for an hour or so in the morning and evening.

I'm pretty sure from what I'm reading that these chickens are a heartier animal than we think they are, but still mine will have heat in their coop through April. King5 had and article on their website about how backyard chickens are catching on. Seems they know about you and I.

Have fun!

 

[Atoshaki]

Actually,it's good for chicken's to eat gravel.It helps them digest.Just small pieces though.

 

[cheshie]

I love watching my 3 baby girls play outside. They will be 2 weeks old on April 7th and they love being outside, even if it is only slightly warm. I had them out today while I was working in my raised garden boxes and they absolutely loved it. They found worms and bugs in the loose soil and then chased each other around trying to steal the "treats" from each other. I wish I would have had my camera or video camera out there because they were so adorable. At one point, 2 of the girls wandered off together and left the other alone. She got very concerned when she couldn't find her sisters and she stood "screaming" until she found them safe and sound. They really seem to love each other!

I basically take my cues from my babies and that seems to work well. I figure if they aren't happy or comfortable they will certainly let me know.

 

[danielle82]

I let mine outside in a small area if the sun is out. I think I started with my last batch at about 2.5 weeks. I call it "weatherizing" lol just a little bit the first day, and work my way up. They LOVE to be outside, and I'm sure the sunshine is good for em

 

[jujubean99]

I say follow your intuition. I always let mine outside fairly early because I feel like they get cabin fever sitting inside all day. Mine are living outside full time at 3ish weeks old, but they have a very warm heat lamp. They will usually let you know what they need if you watch them (or as I like to call it "chicken watching" which I spend too much of my time doing) for a while.

 

[silkiechicken]

Well... mine get kicked to an outdoor brooder at a few days old. Then are let into the run at like 3 weeks or so. So as long as you can keep them safe and warm, they can go out as babies.