I only have 2 youngsters right now and they started going out at about 6 weeks. I did notice the rooster keeping a close eye on them and showing them the way around. I tried to get them to go back to their "rooms" for bed, but since the "big" chickens stay out they refuse to go in there. Instead they sleep at the front door on the top shelf of a planter rack in an aloe plant (which has since dies- thank you chicks
) The 2 older hens have never been caged and refuse to go near one at night. The silkie rooster came from a feed store and was raised in a cage and decided he liked the freedom. He also sleeps on the front steps. His mate, we bought with him, on the other hand went to bed every night in her cage and she slept on a big plastic frog. Thank goodness we have a very unique living arrangement and don't have any predators to bother them.
