Moving 10 1/2 week old "babies" outside in the winter

[ChickadeeNMe]

Hello folks,

I know that this has been asked before, but I can't find any answers for babies that are 10 1/2 weeks, only younger and a little older. I have 3 chicks that to me are fully feathered. (not sure what exactly this means, but they've lost their fluff and they have feathers). They are 2 silkies and 1 french wheaten maran. I'm in Tennessee and it's often pretty cold here, especially at night. It varies from between 20-50 at night. We just got through a cold snap so we're getting a break from the cold (yay!). I have a small vacant coop to move them into whenever they're ready. I don't have any problems setting them up with a light for heat. What do ya'll think? Do you think 10 1/2 weeks is old enough? I really care about them and I surely don't want anything bad to happen and I don't want them to suffer if they're cold. On the other hand, I feel sad that they're cooped up. I feel like they'd be happier outside. I do take them out sometimes when the weather is nice and I have time to stay outside with them, but it's not often enough as I'm a full time student and I'm homeschooling my son along with helping my husband with his chicken coop business. Not a lot of time. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[azygous]

By almost eleven weeks of age, almost three months old, chicks have their full down jackets and are well insulated against losing precious body heat.

However, if you've been keeping them in a very warm environment, much warmer than out in the coop, you would probably do well to acclimate the chicks to cooler temps first.

Open a window, remove their heat lamp, gradually subject them to a colder environment. After several days of this, when it closely resembles the temps outside, move them in. There shouldn't be any need for a heat lamp.

 

[Paganrose]

x2

 

[ChickadeeNMe]

Thank you so much!! I have removed the light, but there is a wall heater next to their box. I'll turn it off and gradually get them used to cooler environment. I'm off to a good start. THANKS!!!