Letting 8 week chicks outside.

[kscottjoyce]

Hello, and thank you for your help. I have two "chicks" that are 8 weeks old. I am wondering what temperatures a chicken of this age can endure? I am also interested in if they are still "chicks" at this time or are they called a different name, one is male one is female.

 

[pkw]

It is okay to let them out. I have some 9 week olds that loves going outdoors. I still call them chicks (older chicks). I don't know what the correct term is.

 

[kscottjoyce]

Sorry, should have mentioned that I live in New England, can get pretty cold still.

 

[Fishman43]

Where in NE? In NH tonight it is going to be in the teens, I would think that is to cold unless you have slowly aclimated your chicks to the temps.

 

[gritsar]

If they have been acclimated to the temps. slowly, they should be fine. Chicks normally do not need supplemental heat after 5 to 6 weeks old, if you have lowered the temp. on them gradually.

 

[kscottjoyce]

I am in Massachusetts. I am not going to let them out tonight but was more curious about when they would be able to withstand the weather. I wouldn't put them out until I am sure they can more than take it.

 

[gritsar]

By the way, your young male is properly called a cockerel. At a year old he becomes a rooster, a cock or a stag.

Your young female is a pullet. At a year old she becomes a hen.

 

[featherz]

My eight weekers have been outside for two weeks. it's been as cold as -10 and they are fine. They weren't even huddled when it was ultra cold. /shrug.

 

[kscottjoyce]

Featherz, thanks for the info. I have four eggs that I am hoping to have hatch this coming Saturday, time for the little chickens to move to the porch.