Putting 9 week old chicks outside

[Frosty]

I put mine out without a heat lamp at 7 1/2 weeks old, the day they turned 8 weeks old temp dropped to 17F that night. They did fine, and have had a few more nights at 17 degrees since then. They turned 9 weeks old a few days ago and are a beautiful healthy looking bunch! Daytime temps are up enough to keep their water from freezing solid, though...

 

[kschicks2013]

I've had my 9 week Olds out for a couple weeks. They are doing great. I cover their enclosure with tarps at night so they stay warm. At first I used a heat lamp at night but it hasn't been cold enough to keep it on. I just make sure they aren't in a Draft and they do fine. They have all their feathers. I've also started letting them out of their temporary enclosure for awhile during day. They come out on their own and scratch around a bit and then run back in their enclosure. It takes time for them to get used to free ranging in the yard. I stand watch in case a hawk flies by.