I have 13 pullets that are about 6-7 weeks old and appear to be fully feathered out. I live in northern Indiana and our temps have been pretty unpredictable. One day it can be 68 degrees and 45 the next. The extended forecast is showing highs of 40's and lows of 20's at night. Plus its snowing right now! I have them in an unfinished basement at the moment and took the heat lamp away last week. They're perfectly content and running around scratching and being chickens. Not exactly sure the ambient temp down there, but I know it's cooler than the main house but warmer than outside (plus no wind!). At what point would they be ok to go out in those temps? Or should I wait for it to warm up later? I'm hoping Spring decides to show up soon, but I know the girls are tired of the drab brooder walls, lol!
*I* wouldn't hesitate --- my brooder babies two years ago went out at about 5 weeks -- they were moved on a beautiful, warm, spring day -- the next morning we woke up to a couple of inches of snow -- the littles were happy as little clams in their coop. As long as you have an appropriate shelter for them that will give them a wind break they'll be fine.
I just moved my oldest 6 (5 weeks old) out to the coop today. It's 70 now, but gonna be in the 40's tonight. The coop is insulated, and I'm a bit anxious about it but according to many of the experts on this forum we should be fine.
I'd feel a little better if the nights were in the 40's, the 20's are what gives me pause. I'd guess that since there's 13, they'd huddle together to stay warm, but still concerned. The roof of the coop does has a radiant heat barrier tho. I'm probably being an overprotective new chick mom, but don't want my girls to freeze!
I have chicks about four weeks old and wondered the same thing. They don't quite have all their feathers though. I got a pre-made coop at Tractor Supply. The babies dont know to go up the ladder to the nesting box so I gotta keep them in at night. Anything over 60° and sunny though, I put them out. I hope this is okay.
