Moving outside/providing heat questions

[1dog1cat6chicks]

Our chicks are nearly five weeks old now and the “nursery” alongside the big girls’ house is ready. They spent a night out there because it was warm (low 50s) but we brought them back inside because the temps were dropping again. This week we are to have a few nights in the 20’s. The little girls seems to be just about fully feathered, and the little boy is a week or so behind them on feathers.
(hopefully he’ll be finding a new home SOON)
We do have a heat lamp in the nursery. It is completely outside of the actual nursery, on the other side of the chicken wire, so no chance of a fire.
Do you all think we could make the permanent transition yet? Our basement is getting soooo dusty! Also, if we keep them inside another week or so, should I turn off the heat lamp we have inside?
Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Chickenslol]

Chickens are very hearty, but i know the temps you're talking about. One thing that we did when it started getting colder while we were moving them out was to keep them in at night without a heat lamp, and let them roam during the day so that they can integrate with the older ones and get used to the weather. it should be warmer this weekend, my advice is to just wait it out if you're not comfortable yet. they're only five weeks and have plenty of time to grow and get ready.

 

[1dog1cat6chicks]

I suspect we'll make the big move this weekend--once we get past the next three very cold nights. Plus, the little boy chick may be leaving us this weekend so that may be a good time to move the little girls to the 'big house'.
There's always a heat lamp if the weather turns cold again.