How old do chicks need to be before they go out for the night?

[JennH07]

I was wondering how old my chicks have to be before they can go outside and stay there in their coop? What should the night time temps be? Thanks for anyone who answers!!

 

[csummer8882]

I do know that they need to be fully feathered before they can go out. Mine are still inside as its chilly here.....50's and rainy for the last 2 weeks........as far as temps go, I really can't answer that. Mine still have a light. i know that they can go outside with the light for nights to keep them warm if its still chilly. Hope that helps a bit.

I am brand new at all of this so I am still learning as well!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Chicks should be 5-6 weeks old and feathered out. They should also be weaned off their heat lamp for a few days before taking them out. It is mid-May and temperature almost everywhere are getting very mild. 40-50 is NOT cold for a feathered bird. They aren't reptiles.

We brood in 30-40F temperatures in the barn or garage, so moving them out when daytime temps are in the 50s and nights are in the 30s, at 5 1/2 weeks is easy. They are quite used to it. Never lose any. They like being cool a whole lot more than being hot.

 

[Judy]

Agree with Fred's Hens. There is no moving out here as they start in the coop. I'm always a little surprised how soon they start avoiding the heat lamp. And seeing broody raised chicks outdoors in 40 degree weather is amazing, but they do it routinely. Of course at those temps they run under mama every little while for a warmup, but they don't stay long. If it's around 70, even the day olds stay out in the coop most all day, under mama at night.

 

[csummer8882]

Well I have learned some more. Thank you. Sorry, didn't mean to sound ignorant, just new at all this.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
Not a problem. Enjoy your experience.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Please don't feel this way, we're here to help, and we want you to enjoy the forum and find what you need. And enjoy your chickens, of course!

 

[JennH07]

Thanks Everyone for all your help.

Mine are still 4 and 5 weeks old, and my 4 week old is still practically bald, but I was just curious as to when I could put them into their coop. I know that they can't be put with the big girls till they are the same size.

 

[zhockeymom]

Curious too - I have two hens who are outside (they are about 16 months old.). I have ten chicks still in the house ranging in age from 5 weeks to 7 weeks. All fully feathered and the brooder is quite small as they bigger. My fear is the two grown hens picking on the new girls being so small... One of the older girls is quite aggressive in pecking at times and she is definitely the top of the litter. I have actually threatened to remove her from the flock if she continues her nastiness. But I've added some activity stuff in the coop and she's been better. I can't separate them in the coop unless I bring the babies back in the house at night. Is it too soon to introduce the babies into the coop?

 

[tiggerpeggy2008]

I have 6 pullets and they are flying all over in their cage all day.When can they go outside and stay? I bought them from tractor supply about three weeks ago. They are getting their cones(I think thats what they are called) I still have their hat light on. Can I turn it off now?