how old does a chick have to be to Go Outside?

[Ole rooster]

My rooster won't put up with the other chickens being nasty to the chicks. He is very good with them. Maybe he just wanted to get with mama so she could start anther batch, which he did. But with the chicks he's great.

 

[mauigirl]

In the winter I have mine in brooders until about 6 weeks then they go into a separate grow out coop until about 16 weeks or close to full size. In the summer I brood them until 4 weeks old and then they go into a grow out pen. I currently have 10 Lavender Orps I hatched out 12-9-11 and I have them in a large brooder with a 100 watt bulb for heat inside my shop. When I get my 12x20 coop done they will go in there . I will section off a 4x12 space for them probably. I will hang a light bulb low for heat as it gets into the teens right now.

Nate

My system is similar to okchickens. Raise them in aquariums, with outside foraging in a day pen (no bottom so they can scratch yet protected by curious peckers) for an hour sor so. 4-5 Weeks transistion to play pen with lamp that goes on at sunset. Play pen allows them to sneak out but big birds cant get in. When Im in the yard allow them to foloow and mixing in with free rangers. Always cautios of pecking order. Keep light on for another 2 weeks or so.

 

[Animal Lover]

well, i dont really have any other places to put Prim(chick).....I guess she'll be in my room for a little while?

 

[demerson]

My system is similar to okchickens. Raise them in aquariums, with outside foraging in a day pen (no bottom so they can scratch yet protected by curious peckers) for an hour sor so. 4-5 Weeks transistion to play pen with lamp that goes on at sunset. Play pen allows them to sneak out but big birds cant get in. When Im in the yard allow them to foloow and mixing in with free rangers. Always cautios of pecking order. Keep light on for another 2 weeks or so.

The playpen idea is great - I've not heard of that and I am gonna hafta do it

 

[Ole rooster]

The last two days it's been 26 in the mornings. Mama hen has the babies out the door first thing. I thought she would sleep in a bit but no, out she comes. But it does not take long till she stops and under her they go. I know they have to be cold but I'm letting mama do the care taking part. I water freezes but they outside.