I love them, but it is time to go into the "real world"

[chickens really]

I live in Alberta also. One of my chicks got accidentally separated from my broody at 2 days old, and it died. When they get cold, they start clicking. This one did that. I am sorry, but I have to disagree.

Sorry that happened but totally off topic from what the OPs question is asking..5 week old Birds are ready....

 

[BYCforlife]

Sorry that happened but totally off topic from what the OPs question is asking..5 week old Birds are ready....

Lol, yes. We got a little off topic.

 

[mockingbird]

They will be fine (and happier) outside as long as their feathers have come in and they have each other for warmth. I had one about that age get out of the brooder in March in Pennsylvania when the weather is still quite chilly. She spent the night under a neighbor's car and I thought she would be a goner. I was able to catch her the next day and she was fine which surprised me. Luckily no cats found her. We named her "Rogue" lol!

 

[chickens really]

They will be fine (and happier) outside as long as their feathers have come in and they have each other for warmth. I had one about that age get out of the brooder in March in Pennsylvania when the weather is still quite chilly. She spent the night under a neighbor's car and I thought she would be a goner. I was able to catch her the next day and she was fine which surprised me. Luckily no cats found her. We named her "Rogue" lol!

Yes, accidentally one of my Chicks this spring spent the night outside and the temp was about -5C.....It survived and kept pretty close to Momma after that...I think it was about 5 weeks old then?...Just standing and peeping for Momma....They are a lot tougher than people think...

 

[tiffnichole20]

I waited about two and a half months to put mine outside & she's doing well outside right now

 

[SummerHill202]

The general room of thumb I followed was not to put them outside until they were fully feathered. (or close to)

 

[Christian J]

Hmm...yes..we certainly have diversity in opinions here! Don't know what to do. Guess I'd feel a lot better if they had a Momma with them just in case. I think it's a balance between starting them off right (inside) but not waiting too long (out of fear) to let them live the way they were meant. Actually a big reason I got them was for the compan outside; and yes it is relaxing. Gusss its natural to not want to make mistakes.

 

[EJagno]

Don't feel bad because I am having the same problem deciding if mine need to start spending time outdoors. So far the longest I've let them stay outdoors is an hour. My babies were born July 4th. I have 8. They are all doing really well but definitely trying to fly the coop so to speak. As I was cleaning their box today one flew out and right into a cup I had nearby so it wasn't too hard to get her back into the holding tote. My fear isn't cold, it's heat. We've had some intense heat with heat indeces running around 102º - 107º. I think starting tomorrow I will let them spend the mornings in their outside pen DH custom built for the small chickens with a covered top. It's larger and I think they'll enjoy the outdoor time.

 

[Christian J]

Yes, the heat is a problem. Its 90 at least everyday now and reaches triple digits too. I've been putting ice in their waterer to give them some relief when they go on field trips outdoors.