Nighttime lows in the 50s - 7 week pullets OK?

[Hummingbird Hollow]

I'm sure this question has been posted a million times. Rule of thumb is decrease the temp in your brooder by 5 degrees a week, starting the first week at 95 degrees. With three seven week old pullets, 7weeks X 5 degrees = 35 degrees, 95-35 = 60degrees. I want to move them to an outside coop where temperatures may be in the 50s overnight. I'm thinking that although they have a full set of feathers, a heat lamp is necessary for the next two weeks.

Am I correct or am babying them more than necessary?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

They will be fine.

I move 4 weeks olds outside in the spring when lows still dip into frost. With lows in the 50's I move chicks outside at 3 weeks. We turn the lights off for periods of time at 2 weeks of age and at 3 weeks if still inside have no additional heat. If your still supplying heat then stop and let them acclimate to house temp for a few days them kick em out their own coop.

 

[Fred's Hens]

or am babying them more than necessary?

Yup.

 

[AVintageLife]

I think your chicks should be fine. I just moved my six 4.5 week old chicks out to the coop with the rest of the flock (but separated for now). The first night the temp was supposed to be 47 degrees (how can that be in June?). I took a couple of soda bottles and filled them with warm water and covered them with a piece of fleece. I figured if they wanted to, they could cuddle up there and have some additional heat. I only did that the one night because I realized they really will be OK. Good luck!

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Thanks everyone. I thought I may be fussing more than necessary. It always seems like a big deal putting the little girls out for the first time, but this has been an unusually cool summer (not complaining after two hot, dry summers) but thought I should check with you experts.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

THEY SURVIVED!