Moving Shamo chicks outside in winter

[Faraz1]

So I have 6 shamo chicks that are now around 5 weeks old. They are still inside and have not had an external heat source for a week.

Usually inside the room the temperature is between 60-70F

My main concern is now I need to move them outside. Being Shamo chicks, their chest area has not fully feathered out yet. Would it be wise to move them outside ?

Daytime temperatures are around 45F whilst night time it drops to around 32F.

If its not possible them how about heating the coop in some way during the nights by using a hot water bottle or heat packs ?

 

[MysteryChicken]

So I have 6 shamo chicks that are now around 5 weeks old. They are still inside and have not had an external heat source for a week.

Usually inside the room the temperature is between 60-70F

My main concern is now I need to move them outside. Being Shamo chicks, their chest area has not fully feathered out yet. Would it be wise to move them outside ?

Daytime temperatures are around 45F whilst night time it drops to around 32F.

If its not possible them how about heating the coop in some way during the nights by using a hot water bottle or heat packs ?

If not fully feathered, I wouldn't move them out yet.

 

[Faraz1]

They have the feathers on their chest area but not the same as the 'new' feathers on their wings, back and tail.

Based on what I have researched about this breed, adult birds usually don't have much feathers on their chest so I am not sure if chicks would be the same.

 

[MysteryChicken]

They have the feathers on their chest area but not the same as the 'new' feathers on their wings, back and tail.

Based on what I have researched about this breed, adult birds usually don't have much feathers on their chest so I am not sure if chicks would be the same.

Malays, Shamo, & Aseel have a bare stripe, if that's what you're talking about?

 

[Faraz1]

Yes exactly !

 

[MysteryChicken]

Yes exactly !

That'll never have feathers. As long as everyone is feathered out, they can be moved.

I always add extra straw to the coop to keep heat trapped inside to keep chick's warm once moved outside.

 

[Kellyjenny]

OMG I WANT ONE.

 

[Faraz1]

That'll never have feathers. As long as everyone is feathered out, they can be moved.

I always add extra straw to the coop to keep heat trapped inside to keep chick's warm once moved outside.

Thanks, i will be moving them outside tomorrow. Do you think they will be OK with an established flock ? the established flock is 7 chickens whilst i have 6 shamo chicks that are around 6 weeks now.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Thanks, i will be moving them outside tomorrow. Do you think they will be OK with an established flock ? the established flock is 7 chickens whilst i have 6 shamo chicks that are around 6 weeks now.

How old is the older flock? I'd have them in a See, No touch enclosure to make sure there's no bullying.

I always introduce chicks once half the size of the adult birds. Works better for me.

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks, i will be moving them outside tomorrow. Do you think they will be OK with an established flock ? the established flock is 7 chickens whilst i have 6 shamo chicks that are around 6 weeks now.

You need to go through a see-don't-touch integration process.

Here are some useful articles on integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/