New chicken mama - can these gals move outside?

[sarieth]

I have 6 chicks that around estimated to be about 6-7 weeks old. They've had some field trips on warmer days, but we're hitting a slightly lower cold patch again at night. Do they look like they can be moved out already without heat? They are large and obviously outgrowing out two box brooder setup. Any advice would be welcome! We could put in their brooder plate out in the coop with them, but they've been without it for days now. Thanks in advance!

 

[nuthatched]

Yes, they could go outside a few weeks ago.

 

[TheRusticRebel]

Definitely. Mine are 6 1/2 weeks and been outside for 2 weeks now.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Mine are 6weeks, they moved outside at 3weeks with a MHP, same temps as you. They're in great shape. I think they only get on the MHP for a place to snooze and not because they need the heat.

 

[AidKD]

I put my chicks outside at 2 weeks old. Your's will be fine.

 

[coach723]

Those temps are fine as long as they can be dry and get out of prevailing winds, same as for adults. 5 weeks is usually plenty adequate and they are feathered enough to go out full time. They will be fine.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum. Glad you joined.

If your temperatures were much below freezing I'd still be OK. With lows in the 40's Fahrenheit they will be OK.

 

[sarieth]

Thank you so much everyone! It definitely calms my nerves a bit. They are out in the coop and they are so happy with the new large space.

 

[NonnieNonna]

Mine are 6weeks, they moved outside at 3weeks with a MHP, same temps as you. They're in great shape. I think they only get on the MHP for a place to snooze and not because they need the heat.

What nighttime temps did you have when you moved them out?

 

[sarieth]

What nighttime temps did you have when you moved them out?

I moved mine out later than 3 weeks, but if it helps, the nights dipped into the mid to high 40s for the first week they were outside. They did perfectly fine.